SD's Youngest Mayor

William H. Carlson in 1893, newly elected as San Diego’s youngest mayor at age 28. He’s credited with luring the Navy to town, raising money for the jetty at the mouth of San Diego Bay, and getting started the institution for higher learning that eventually became SDSU.

Carlson more than dabbled in real estate and is considered a founder of Ocean Beach, where he bought 600 acres in 1887. He hosted mussel roasts, concerts, and furnished bathing suits to potential buyers. The San Diego Union touted his O.B. promotions: “the wants of the inner man are well provided for in Ocean Beach.”