Shelltown's Navy ties shaped San Diego neighborhood history

Shelltown in San Diego was historically attractive to Navy officers because it offered views of their ships in San Diego Bay and quick access to the waterfront, the Times of San Diego reported.

The neighborhood sits on a mesa near the waterfront and was named Shelltown due to the abundance of seashells in its sandy soil. Its geography includes steep hills and canyons with views of both San Diego Bay and the Pacific Ocean.

In the early 1900s, proximity to the waterfront was a key factor in shaping Shelltown's development and attracting residents connected to the Navy. Some naval officers could see their ships from home and were only minutes away from duty calls, according to the city of San Diego.

The neighborhood's history also reflects the Navy's growth and the establishment of new industries, as well as the families who lived there.