On December 7, 1846, the day after the Battle of San Pasqual was fought five miles east of here, General Stephen Kearny’s command, while marching on San Diego, was attacked by Californians. The Americans counter-attacked and occupied the hill until December 11, when the march was resumed. Short of food, they ate mule meat and named the place “Mule Hill.”

Photo: T. Elizabeth Renich

Photo: T. Elizabeth Renich