Forgot your password?
New user? Why join.
Document Actions
Carlsbad History
The community of Carlsbad is named for a popular 19th century spa in Europe but its history reflects the heritage of many cultures. Luiseno Indians camped on the shores of its coastal lagoon for centuries before the arrival of Don Gaspar de Portola and Fr. Juan Crespi in 1769. Blazing the trail now known as El Camino Real, the conquistador and Franciscan priests were exploring Alta California for the King of Spain. It was during a rest stop, upwind from an old fishing camp, that their weary troops christened the lagoon for posterity: Agua Hedionda (Stinking Water). |