National City is the second oldest city in San Diego County. National City’s Victorian heritage is one of its more important assets. Incorporated on September 17, 1887, National City was originally part of the 26,000-acre El Rancho de la Nacion, which was purchased in 1868 by Frank Kimball and his brothers Warren and Levi. They cleared lands, built roads, constructed the City’s first wharf and brought the railroad to the City. Ralph Granger, who struck it rich in the silver mines of Colorado and was making $5,000 a day through the 1890’s, located his family on an estate in Paradise Valley (8th Street). His love of violins led to his purchase of a large and expensive string collection, which prompted him to hire San Diego architect Irving Gill to build a private music hall for him near his house.

Today, a wonderful 75-foot mural adorns the recital hall ceiling portraying the Muses Euterpe and Erato, surrounded by cherubs. Due to the way the building was constructed, no wall is exactly parallel, so a microphone is not needed. Sound travels from one end of the hall to the other without distortion.

Saved from demolition, Granger Music Hall was moved to its present site. In an effort spearheaded by National City Historical Society, it was lovingly restored by the citizens of National City. Painted its original colors, it is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Another popular National City historical spot is the Santa Fe Rail Depot. Built in 1882, the Santa Fe Rail Depot is the only original transcontinental railroad terminus in the United States that is still standing. On November 14, 1885, the first train left from National City to Waterman (renamed Barstow in 1886), 78 miles from its transcontinental link in San Bernardino.

Today, the restored Santa Fe Rail Depot serves as a railroad museum and community meeting place. Nearby on 24th Street, a restored National City & Otay Railway coach will be installed in a park site.

Whether executive estates, homes, or properties of all sizes and views, you’ll find National City area homes for sale that are right for your needs. As you would expect, National City real estate is highly valued and available homes and properties sell quickly.