About Mission Hills

History of Mission Hills

Mission Hills has remained one of San Diegos most exclusive neighborhoods and is home to many of San Diegos wealthiest and most successful business and professional people. Our superb location is unrivaled! We are adjacent to historical Old Town, minutes from bustling downtown, and just a short drive to famous beaches.

The earliest development had come in the mid-1870s when Cavalry Cemetery, a Catholic graveyard, was established on the hill overlooking Old Town. Also, in the 1870s, Captain Henry James Johnston, skipper of the side-wheeler Orizaba, purchased 65 acres of land for $16.25. Captain Johnstons plan was to build a home but did not live long enough to realize his dream. In 1887 Johnstons daughter, Sara Miller Cox, continued with her fathers dream. After learning that her fathers ship, the "Orizaba" was going to be dismantled, she obtained parts of the historic vessel to be incorporated into a two story framed home called "Villa Orizaba." Today "Villa Orizaba" still stands at the northeast section of Orizaba and Miller streets.

Soon, homes sprang up all over Mission Hills. Some were large, two-story mansions; others were more modest "California bungalows." Later, the influence of such well-known local architects as Irving Gill, William Templeton-Johnston and Richard Requa added a level of distinction and timeless elegance. The heydey of Mission Hills as the prime residential area of San Diego was 1910 to 1930, before transportation made La Jolla, Point Loma and Kensington more easily accessible.

Another famous resident was Kate O. Sessions, "Mother of Balboa Park." She was San Diegos premiere horticulturist and had established nursery sales office at Lewis and Stephens. Sessions sales office was so successful, she soon prevailed on her good friend, John D. Spreckels, to bring his streetcars out her way. The fifth Street car line was then extended from Washington Street over to Lewis, and ended at Stephens Street in front of Sessions shop.

What started as a dream in the minds eye of a sea captain evolved into one of San Diegos loveliest and most prestigious residential communities. We would like to welcome you and your family to our community of longtime residents and village ambiance.

Stephanie Murphy
San Diego Real Estate
Mission Hills Real Estate
www.ListWithTheBest.com

Phone: (619) 260-1234  
Fax: (619) 299-4406 

Email: SMurphy858@aol.com