This is just the beginning! Our collection holds over 300 years of history, including rare newspapers, obituaries, marriage records, birth records, and so much more—most of which you won’t find anywhere else!
North Island’s Transformation From Fort Site to Navy Air Base
The narrative traces North Island from early uses by Fort Guijarros to its 1886 sale, 1893 condemnation and jetty creation, Glenn Curtiss flying trials in 1910, and 1917 government condemnation for 6 million. The Navy Aviation School began, Lt. E W Spencer commanded, and the split ownership by Army and Navy followed. Lindbergh’s preparatory flight and Coronado shift culminated in 1935 with Navy control of the entire island.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
North Island
Coronado Beach Company
Chamber of Commerces
San Diego
San Diego Bay
Army
Congress
Navy Aviation School
E. W. Spencer
The
Navy