History
Kearny Mesa is named for the former Camp Kearny, a U.S. military base which operated in the area from 1917 to 1946 and eventually became Marine Corps Air Station Miramar. Camp Kearny in turn was named for Brigadier General Stephen W. Kearny, a leader in the Mexican-American War who also served as a military governor of California. While General Kearny's name was pronounced "Car-nee" during his lifetime, San Diegans use the "Cur-nee" pronunciation.
The urbanization of Kearny Mesa began in 1937 with Gibbs Airfield, now the small airfield Montgomery Field. In 1948, the City of San Diego acquired the airfield and 1,400 acres (6 km2) of surrounding property, intending it as a possible replacement site for San Diego International Airport. However, airspace conflicts with MCAS Miramar (at that time NAS Miramar) made the proposed airport infeasible. Montgomery Field was restricted to small aircraft, and the surplus land was converted to an industrial park.
Beginning in 1955 with General Dynamics, numerous aerospace, electronic, and other industrial and office firms located in the area. There was also commercial development, particularly west of State Route 163.
Read more about this topic: Kearny Mesa, San Diego
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