Derby Dike!

Derby Dike
Landmark #244 San Diego County Visited: July 9, 2011 Plaque?  YES! 🙂
What is it? A plaque marking the site of the Derby Dike, which channeled the destructive power of the San Diego River!
What makes it historical? THE GUIDE SAYS: Until 1853 the erratic San Diego River dumped tons of debris into the harbor or poured into False Bay, now Mission Bay. At times it threatened to destroy Old Town San Diego. Lieutenant George Horatio Derby, U.S. Topographical Corps, built a dike that diverted the waters into False Bay. This was the first effort to tame the river, and one of the first U.S. Government projects in California. The river was not fully harnessed until the 1950s.

OTHER TIDBITS: That pretty well sums it up!

How can I Help the Helpers? HERE’S HOW:

  • Volunteer with the San Diego History Center!
  • Donate to the San Diego History Center!
  • Be a responsible visitor! Please respect the signs and pathways, and treat all structures and artifacts with respect. They’ve endured a lot to survive into the present. They’ll need our help to make it into the future!
Where is this place? LISTED DIRECTIONS:
SE corner of Taylor St and Presidio Dr
Presidio Park
San Diego, CA 92110

ANNOTATIONS:
It is right next to the Serra Palm site!

From Los Angeles: ~117mi (189km) — 2hrs
From Sacramento: ~501mi (807km) — 8.4hrs
From San Diego: ~5mi (9km) — 0.1hrs
From San Francisco: ~498mi (802km) — 8.3hrs

When should I go? Whenever the mood strikes you!

Click here to see more California historical landmarks!

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