- Missionaries settled the El Cajon Valley during the early nineteenth century, when vast pasture lands supported cattle herds. After the Civil War the population exploded as real estate developments lured in new settlers. The agriculture sector prospered with citrus, avocado and grape crops. World War II brought another wave of growth.
- El Cajon's population for the city proper reached just over 95,000 by 2010. It is part of eastern San Diego County, and neighboring valley communities include La Mesa, Lakeside and Santee. Three colleges and a K-12 system, with a total of 31 schools, educate local residents. The public library hosts regular special events. The weekly "El Cajon Valley News" serves the city of El Cajon and surrounding towns. Since 1988 El Cajon's Boulevard Business Improvement Association has helped to bring new business and housing projects to the downtown area, including office and retail space.
- Several art galleries and museums call downtown El Cajon home. Olaf Wieghorst was a local artist of the American West, and a public museum bearing his name now honors his legacy. The Knox House Museum houses the El Cajon Historical Society. Throughout downtown, visitors will find displays of numerous murals and works of public art.
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