Nestled in the heart of Jacumba, Bankhead Springs is a stunning historical town that has been captivating visitors and investors for decades. Explore its rich history and its future potential!
Bankhead Springs
Our History and Heritage
Bankhead Springs holds historic roots from the Kumeyaay people and America's western expansion and development of Jacumba in the 19th and 20th centuries. Now Bankhead Springs and other eastern San Diego communities are being rediscovered for their beauty and potential.
Future of Bankhead Springs
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Jacumba Hot Springs and DeAnza Springs Resort changed ownership in 2020 and are undergoing improvements. This revival of Jacumba may allow Bankhead Springs to once again ride on the coattail of a vibrant cultural town.
Brief Jacumba History
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Kumeyaay: The Kumeyaay was a thriving band in East San Diego County. They had spiritual locations sprawled across East County. To the Kumeyaay, Jacumba held sacred hot springs. In the late 19th century, ranchers began settling in the area. Tensions lead to the 1870 Jacumba Massacre.
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Western Development: In 1919, a railway opened between Jacumba and San Diego. By the 1930's Jacumba had become a thriving tourist destination for its hot springs with a population exceeding 5,000.
Bankhead Springs Origins
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Senator John Hollis Bankhead served in the United States Senate from 1907 to 1920 for Alabama. He played a significant role in the Federal Aid Road Act of 1916 (Bankhead Act), which funded many highways that would later form Old Highway 80.
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Bankhead Springs is a small town that was developed as Jacumba Hot Springs grew in the early 1900's. Bankhead Springs had a hotel, restaurant and several cabins offering as an additional retreat to Jacumba Hot Springs.
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It is thought that Bankhead Springs' name was to recognize Senator Bankhead's role in bringing the infrastructure to make the region prosperous.
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Bankhead Springs
Potential - For Sale
Bankhead Springs is a community within Jacumba and is split between several owners. Mostly vacant land and single family residences.
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The central most portion of Bankhead Springs has come up for sale. There are 15 contiguous parcels extending across nearly 150-acres. They hold the old hotel and restaurant as well as five cabins and homes.
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Bankhead Springs has the potential to be restored to its former retreat town, transformed into a sprawling ranch or developed for a residential community. Contact us, below, for more information.
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County of San Diego PDS and County of San Diego Board of Supervisors are to present details on supporting, funding and resource allocation for the development of 1) Affordable Housing, 2) Senior and Assisted Living Housing and 3) Small Lot Housing in the Fall of 2024.
Video's and Articles about Bankhead Springs
Bankhead Springs:
What will you make of it?
Developments
There are several recent large projects in Jacumba.
Resorts/Tourism: Jacumba Hot Springs Spa and DeAnza Springs Resort changed ownerships.
Infrastructure/Utilities: Jacumba Solar Energy Project seeks to establish a >300 acre solar farm.
Educational
See Jacumba Community Sponsor Group and County of San Diego Planning and Development Services for more information.
