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El Cajon, California

Nestled in a broad valley east of San Diego, El Cajon — Spanish for "the box" — is surrounded by mountains on all sides. Once a ranching community, it became a diverse suburban city and is now home to one of the largest Iraqi Chaldean communities in the United States.

Founded 1869 | Population 106,726 | Peak 106,726 (2024) | County San Diego County

Top 10 Most Important Events for El Cajon, California

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1869Founded: Amaziah Knox became the first American settler in the El Cajon Valley.

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1912Incorporated: El Cajon incorporated as a city, growing from its agricultural roots.

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1961Gillespie Field: Gillespie Field airport became a key general aviation facility for East County San Diego.

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1990Refugee Resettlement: El Cajon became a major resettlement city for Iraqi Chaldean refugees, transforming the city's cultural landscape.

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2010Downtown Revitalization: The city invested in downtown revitalization, adding a performing arts center and mixed-use development.

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Complete Historical Timeline

1869 Culture

Founded

1912 Government

Incorporated

1961 Transport

Gillespie Field

1990 Culture

Refugee Resettlement

2010 Culture

Downtown Revitalization

Did You Know?

El Cajon means 'The Box' in Spanish for its box canyon geography.

Home to one of the largest Iraqi Chaldean communities in the U.S.

Located in an inland valley east of San Diego.

El Cajon is located in San Diego County, California.

El Cajon was founded in 1869.

Famous People from El Cajon, California

Jimmie Johnson

Racing Automobile Driver, Film Actor · Born Sep 17, 1975 · Age 50

Glen Morgan

Screenwriter, Television Producer · Born Jul 12, 1961 · Age 64

Joe Musgrove

Baseball Player · Born Dec 4, 1992 · Age 33

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