San Diego in San Diego County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)

Derby Dike

Photographed By Syd Whittle, March 18, 2006

1. Derby Dike Marker

Inscription. Until 1853 the erratic San Diego River dumped tons of debris into the harbor or poured into False Bay, now Mission Bay. At times it threatened to destroy Old Town San Diego. Lieutenant George Horatio Derby, U.S. Topographical Corps, built a dike that diverted the waters into False Bay. This was the first effort to tame the river, and one of the first U.S. Government projects in California. The river was not fully harnessed until the 1950s.

Erected 1990 by the State Department of Parks and Recreation in cooperation with the San Diego Department of Parks and Recreation and Squibob Chapter, E Clampus Vitus (August 4, 1990). (Marker Number 244.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Bridges & Viaducts • Settlements & Settlers • Waterways & Vessels. In addition, it is included in the California Historical Landmarks, and the E Clampus Vitus series lists. A significant historical year for this entry is 1853.

Location. 32° 45.57′ N, 117° 11.772′ W. Marker is in San Diego, California, in San Diego County. Marker is at the intersection of Presidio Drive and Taylor Street, on the right when traveling west on Presidio Drive. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: San Diego CA 92103, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within

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walking distance of this marker. La Playa Trail (here, next to this marker); Serra Palm (here, next to this marker); Fray Junipero Serra (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); Sylvester Pattie (about 500 feet away); San Diego Presidio Site (about 600 feet away); George White Marston (approx. 0.2 miles away); Junipero Serra Museum (approx. 0.2 miles away); Site with Many Cultures / Un Sitio de Muchas Culturas (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in San Diego.

Photographed By Keri Belisle, January 16, 2023

2. Derby Dike Marker

Photographed By Syd Whittle, March 18, 2006

3. Derby Dike Marker

Photographed By Bill Kirchner, March 30, 2015

4. Derby Dike Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on January 25, 2023. It was originally submitted on September 6, 2008, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. This page has been viewed 2,023 times since then and 27 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on September 6, 2008, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. 2. submitted on January 17, 2023, by Keri Belisle of San Diego, California. 3. submitted on September 6, 2008, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. 4. submitted on April 8, 2015, by Bill Kirchner of Tucson, Arizona. • Kevin W. was the editor who published this page.