Copyright: California State Parks
Visitor center at San Pasqual Battlefield SHP
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Description - This 50-acre park commemorates the American takeover of California. Both General Stephen Kearny and Andres Pico claimed victory in the bloody engagement. A visitor center and museum present the action in video, maps and diorama.
Attractions
- San Pasqual Battlefield State Historic Park, east of Escondido, honors the soldiers who fought in the battle between the U.S. and California forces on December 6, 1846 in the midst of the Mexican-American War. Generals Stephen Kearny and Andres Pico both claimed victory. The battle was only one of the military encounters in California in the war, but it proved to be the bloodiest and most controversial as to the outcome. The park has been set aside, not as a monument to war, but as a reminder of the human ideals, actions and passions that can drive nations to bloodshed. The park lies in a peaceful valley. Its fifty acres are within the granite foothills of the Peninsular Range. The Visitor Center/Museum, designed to blend in with the environment and preserve native vegetation, is the focal point of the park with displays about the history of the site. Three exhibit areas show the different cultures and influences of the area -- Native American, California and American. A video relates the events of the Mexican-American War as a background to the battle. There is also an observation area with a view of the battlefield.
Recreation - There is a hiking trail in the park which is designed to give visitors the opportunity to not only view the area of the battle but also experience the beauty of the San Pasqual plant community.
Annual, Special Events & Programs:
Spring: Annual Living History Day -- (call for dates)
December: Annual reenactment of the Battle of San Pasqual (call for dates) Climate - A warm, dry Mediterranean climate prevails over Southern California - inland it is hot in the summer, mild in the winter. Coastal areas have a more moderate climate with frequent fog in the summer. Most of the precipitation comes as rain during the winter months. Location -
The park is located next to the San Diego Wild Animal Park, at 15808 San Pasqual Valley Road, 8 miles south of Escondido on Highway 78.
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