The peninsula was discovered by Cortez in 1535, but it was years later when wandering missionaries began to visit the area we know as San Felipe. They first named it “Santa Catalina”. Another 200 years would come and go before Father Consag arrived and renamed the area “San Felipe”.

In 1925 the first fishing camps were established and eventually, the first school. By the end of the 1920’s the town boasted 100 permanent inhabitants. In 1940 the town was reported by census to have a population of 287.

1948 saw the beginnings of the highway from Mexicali, finished in 1951, and San Felipe began to grow into a tourist attraction offering hotels and campsites. In 1963 piped running water and electricity became available.

The 1970’s brought government buildings, restaurants, bars, gas stations and other services. The sewage system was installed, an airport was constructed, the promenade flourished. The town’s economy income depended on the well-established fishing industry supported by local waters, and on an ever-growing tourist trade. Each year found new stores—many with increased, Americanized stock. One by one city streets were paved, and in 2003 a civic auditorium was completed, a theater building was begun, and a nine-bed hospital opened to the public.

San Felipe has much to celebrate in this, its 78th year, while you and I have the opportunity to play a part in its future history.