Jacumba is an unincorporated community in San Diego County, California, United States. The Jacumba census-designated place had a population of 660 at the 2000 census. The ZIP code is 91934 and the town lies within area code 619. The National Geographic Names Database cites its elevation as 2,829 feet above mean sea level.
The Kumeyaay peoples occupied Jacumba and surrounding areas prior to European incursion. They were probably attracted by the warm Jacumba hot spring (temperature 104 °F), one of many mineral hot springs which occur up and down the Peninsular Ranges of California. Ranchers occupied the area in the 19th century and were often in conflict with the Indians. Many were slain by ranchers for cattle rustling in the 1870 Jacumba Massacre.
Around the turn of the century, the health and relaxation benefits of natural hot springs began to be commercialized. The Jacumba hot spring is prolific and delivered enough water to fill large public baths, the remains of which can still be seen. The water contains sulfur but has a pleasant clean smell. In 1919 rail service connected Jacumba to San Diego. By 1925 the town had a world class hotel, the Hotel Jacumba. In the 1930s, Jacumba had developed into a top destination and had a population of more than 5,000. Many of the foremost movie stars and celebrities of the time regarded Jacumba as a prime destination for relaxation.
Jacumba's role as a prime destination continued through World War II; however as the southernmost California hot spring, it began to feel competition from more northern ones, including Murrieta and Palm Springs. After the new Interstate 8 bypassed Jacumba by two miles, most of the roadside service businesses folded and the community went into economic decline.
The Jacumba Hotel closed and was destroyed in an arson fire in 1985. The ruins stood until 1991. Today, the stub of the massive central fireplace can still be seen. The great public baths closed, The swimming pool was filled in, and the well was capped by its rights-owner.
In the 1980s, the Jacumba Motel was the only hotel facility left in Jacumba. However, the area continues to attract primarily foreign visitors and the motel has acquired rights to the spring and opened a spa.
Most visitors enjoy Jacumba as part of a larger mountain tour by automobile. By traveling down Old Highway 80, visitors step back in time to a quainter, more relaxed time, and Jacumba does nothing to break the spell. Jacumba is a great place to stop for lunch on such a tour, and perhaps explore the remains of a once great past. Other places of interest nearby include Desert View Tower, Mount Laguna, the McCain Valley, and Cuyamaca Rancho State Park (which reopened in early 2006 after the October 2003 wildfires).
Learn more about this city.
City of Jacumba, CA official site
City of Jacumba, CA Chamber of Commerce
City of Jacumba, CA newspaper
County of Jacumba, CA official site
State of California official site