Mexicali

Americans, Chinese, Mexicans, East Indians and Japanese settled the area in the late 1800s, engaging in cotton production, some farming and other endeavors. At that time, they neglected to formally found the city. This occurred years later, on March 14, 1903, when the words ‘Mexico’ and ‘California’ were combined to create the name ‘Mexicali’. The city’s neighbor to the north, in the United States, reverses that combination in its own name, ‘Calexico’. Today, with a growing middle class and one the highest standard of living in Mexico, farming and industry thrive in Mexicali’s strategic location, a busy border-crossing area. That said, it is important to remember that Mexicali bears little resemblance to what is commonly conceived of as a typical ‘border town’. Even a quick drive through town makes it apparent that there is a vibrant energy to Mexicali, and a focus on culture, education and government that is evidenced by modern building, museums and schools. On the border with the United States, at the interchange of Highway 2 (Tecate-Mexicali) and Highway 5 (Mexicali-San Felipe), the city is a doorway to the Sea of Cortez and the beautiful mountains and beaches of San Felipe toMORE