History of Playas de Rosarito

First Stage

In past centuries, the California peninsula was inhabited by native tribes, the most notable being the Pai Pai, Cochimi, Kiliwa, Cucupa and Kumiai.

The Kumiai settled in the area currently known as Rosarito and named it UACUATAY (which means the “Big Home”). Remains of daily life such as arrowheads, stone kitchen utensils and others have been discovered.

These artifacts provide much information regarding the natives’ lifestyle as well as Rosarito’s first stage of evolution.

Today, in area known as San José de la Zorra, just 30 Kilometers east of La Misión, descendants of the Kumiai can still be found.

Second Stage

The second stage of Rosarito’s evolution, described as the “Mission”, began with the arrival of the Spaniards in 1553.

Named in this manner because it is marked by the founding of missions throughout the peninsula and the evangelization of the native tribes, a total of 28 missions were founded by the Jesuits, Dominicans and Franciscans in the area known today as Baja California.

The Palau Border was established in 1773 as the division among the New or Alta California and the Old or Baja California.

In 1788, The Sales Border was established and the delimitations between the Californias was relocated to one side of the Rosarito Lake.

Third Stage

Rosarito’s third stage in history begins with the establishment of the Grandes Ranchos.

The property of El Rancho Rosarito granted to Don José Manuel Machado in 1825, is the first of its kind in the area. Afterwards, his son Joaquín Machado, requested a property deed to then President Porfirio Díaz, and on May 14, 1885, the property deed was granted and recorded in Ensenada de Todos Santos, then the capital of the State of Baja California.

Mayo 14 is today known and celebrated as the Rosarito’s Day of Foundation by the Rosarito Historical Society.

Fourth Stage

The fourth stage of the history of Rosarito is known as “The Tourist”.

It begins with the establishment of Rene's in 1925 and the Rosarito Beach Hotel in 1926. Rosarito has been visited by tourists since 1874 (Source: San Diego Union), attracted by hunting (dear, quail and rabbit) and fishing (lobster, abalone).

Fifth Stage

The “Ejido” and Fifth stage of Rosarito’s History, begins with creation of Ejdios (common lands for agricultural use) when, in August 1930, General Lazaro Cardenas, then President of Mexico, issued a decree granting 4,671 hectareas (more than 10,000 acres) of land to the local farmers community known as the Ejido Mazatlán.

Sixth Stage

Los beginning or urbanization in 1950 marks the beginning of the Sixth Stage of Rosarito’s History with planning and construction of city streets and blocks.

As land and property began to sell, as well the construction of small restaurants, some stores and two hotels, the city starts to take form.

During the 1960s Rosarito, enters the commercial/industrial stage with the construction of the Thermoelectric Plant and afterwards the installation of a PEMEX, Plant.

Seventh Stage

The seventh stage in the evolution of Rosarito is marked by more construction and development of shopping centers, as well as restaurants and shops that were set up throughout the length of the principle street.

This street, has been renewed and elongated to a four lane with a center dived and, in 1989, was officially named Blvd. Benito Juarez. During the 1970’s and the beginning of the 1980’s Rosarito’s growth was moderate, but constant.

However, the mid 1980’s, were marked by a strong development of tourist related businesses, such businesses obviously took considerable investment.

Available rooms in Rosarito have increased from 350 to more than 2000 available today.

During the beginning of 1990 considerable economic development was secured by way of construction and finalization of numerous hotels, condominiums and shopping centers.

Eighth Stage

December 1, 1995, Rosarito becomes the Fifth Municipality (city) of the State of Baja California, this being the eighth stage in the history of Rosarito.