Los Cabos History

The modern era of Los Cabos' history began with Hernan Cortes' arrival on the peninsula in the early 1600s. The Spanish explorer and conquistador, best known for conquering the Aztec empire, was drawn to the far reaches of the Mexican territories, suspected to be an island with stories of women, pearls, and gold. After mutinies and other failed commissions, Cortes arrived in the bay of La Paz in May of 1535, and his lasting impact is shown by the sea that now bears his name – Mar de Cortez (Sea of Cortez). 

Cortes first encountered hunter-gatherer tribes in the area, most notably the Pericues and Guaycuras indigenous peoples. The area's original inhabitants subsisted by sailing and fishing in the rich waters of the cape. Archaeologists date their introduction to the Los Cabos area near 13,000 BCE. These warring tribes and the lack of water and food were able to defeat Cortes, the man who led the "Conquest of Mexico," in less than a year. Though these groups have been culturally and linguistically non-existent since the end of the 18th century, it is still possible to see their rock art and cave paintings throughout the entire Baja California peninsula. 

A few short years after Cortes landed, English pirates seized the land as their base of operations for raids against the Spanish explorers and traders. The lucrative Manila Galleon, a trade route from the Philipines to Acapulco, put Los Cabos on the world stage, parading unbelievable wealth from the Far East to the flourishing West. The granite rock formation of the cape was a welcoming beacon for the long-haul sailors that landfall and fresh water in the estuary of San Jose del Cabo were near. The cape also provided the best cover for ambush attacks. The pirates' time in Los Cabos continued until Jesuit missionaries founded the mission at San Jose del Cabo de Anuiti in 1730. King Phillip of Spain erected a small fortress as a strategic base, cutting off access to fresh water to force out the English, Dutch, and Russian sailors and increase Spanish exploration of the area. The Manila Galleon continued into the early 19th century until Mexico and South America finally defeated Spain.

Despite the efforts of the early Spanish explorers and colonists, it was not until Jesuit missionaries arrived in 1697, nearly 150 years after the campaigns of Cortes, that the Baja peninsula saw its first permanent settlement. Known at this time as California, over almost 40 years, the Jesuit priests built seven missions from Loreto to San Jose del Cabo. The indigenous tribes of the area bided their time and strategically attacked, initiating the beginning of the end of the Jesuit occupation of the Los Cabos area in 1734. It is still possible to see a tile mosaic depicting the death of Padre Nicolas Tamaral and the Pericu uprising above the entryway of the old Catholic church in San Jose del Cabo. Sadly, the fate of the Pericu and the Jesuits were inextricably tied. The tribe was decimated by European diseases of smallpox, measles, and syphilis brought to the region by the Galleon Trade. They were culturally extinct by 1768, the same year the Jesuits were expelled. 

The 19th century saw many new trials and tribulations in Los Cabos. The original pioneer families steered operations to cattle ranching, farming, and mining in the Sierra de la Laguna mountains. Dominican and Franciscan friars replaced the Jesuit priests as the religious leaders of Baja California. They fared no better than their predecessors while making forward strides to tend the land. Tensions in Europe opened the stage for rebellion, and The Mexican War of Independence from Spain began. Though it was finally determined that California was not an island, receiving staples from the Mexican mainland was not easier, and dire situations on the Baja California peninsula were only exacerbated. While Mexico won its independence, the transition of the territory of New Spain to the Mexico Republic fanned out slowly to the Los Cabos region as an already outlaying area. Many residents were unaware that the war had ended and valiantly continued fighting for Mexican independence. 

On the coattails of the War for Independence, The Mexican-American war dominated the middle decades of the 1800s. And by the close of the century, many characters emerged trying to seize economic interests in the peninsula. Mining, real estate, filibustering expeditions, and all-out conquest were attempted. The US economy and larger population proved no contest to the ill-prepared forces of Mexico, which was still unstable after decades of war with Spain. Mexico lost close to half its territory to the United States. The crown jewel was the annexation of Alta California, now the state of California, which the US had made numerous attempts to purchase before the war. The US conceded the Baja California peninsula back to Mexico, citing that there were no natural resources and the Mexicans could “keep all of it.”

After the mines closed in the early twentieth century, Los Cabos began capitalizing on natural wonders instead of natural resources. Though the beauty of Los Cabos was still only accessible by yacht or private plane, stories spread about film stars visiting the towns on the Gulf of California to enjoy vacations away from the spotlight. At this time, foreigners were drawn to the pristine waters of the Sea of Cortez, not for pearl fishing, but marlin and other sportfish became the big tickets of the day. In the 1940s, Los Cabos attracted many famous names, including Lucille Ball, John Wayne, and Bing Crosby. The first resorts in Cabo San Lucas were built largely with Hollywood money, including the Hotel Palmilla, which opened in San Jose del Cabo in 1956 and is now known as the One&Only Palmilla. 

Until the opening of the transpeninsular highway, Los Cabos remained a rural, hard-to-reach, hidden gem. In 1974, the Mexican government formed a trust fund for tourism, Fonatur, which had big plans for this remote hideaway, starting with accessibility. The newly finished highway made it much easier for people and goods to travel the 1063 miles of the Baja peninsula, allowing the region's population to reach nearly 80,000 and making it the 30th state of Mexico. Dredging for the Cabo San Lucas Marina also began in the mid-70s. With the opening of the international airport in 1986, Los Cabos solidified itself as a top tourist destination. The construction of marinas, golf courses, and resorts over the years attracts visitors from across the world and spurs the area's continued growth. Luxury real estate, beach mansions, and sun-drenched spa living draw many to this once-sleepy fishing village in the harsh land that tempted many world-weary travelers throughout its rich history.  

Despite a rough past, this beautiful beach town's future is very bright. Again, Los Cabos has become a significant center of Mexican culture and business. With its gorgeous beaches, championship golf courses, world-class cuisine, and proximity to the United States, it is an attractive place for visitors and investors worldwide.