La Mesa Train Depot

La Mesa Train Depot

I once read in the Reader* that once upon a time, La Mesa was in serious competition for becoming the center of what was a newly developing phenomenon called "movies". Film companies were located there, as were sets. What really helped was that La Mesa had it's own train station to bring in people and goods that were needed -- it truly was the whole nine yards. In the end, Hollywood won that race, and La Mesa faded into history and turned into a suburb of San Diego. But it's history does help explain why La Mesa has character and charm, whereas many other suburbs in San Diego can be...well, less charming.

This historical train depot in La Mesa is a museum now, and the trolley rides on these tracks instead of the train. But visitors can come explore, learn about the history, and dream about a La Mesa that nearly was. Oh wait, we like it here because its *not* like Hollywood! ;-)

A few more photos: here, here, here, here

*The Reader is our local alternative free press.