The California Pacific International Exposition, 1935-1936

Since the first exposition had created a big boost in the further development of San Diego, another World’s Fair was undertaken to promote San Diego and create economic opportunities during the Great Depression.

For the California Pacific International Exposition (1935-1936) the local architect Richard S. Requa added structures in the styles representing pueblo, Mayan, Mexican, Spanish and 1930s-modern.  

During both World Wars many of the buildings left over from the two expositions were then used by the military which caused them significant damage.

Since most buildings were not built to be permanent, the city government wanted to tear them down. However, the citizens of San Diego were able to prevent the their destruction and had them renovated or reconstructed.

In 1977 Balboa Park and its exposition architecture were declared a National Historic Landmark and added to the National Register of Historic Places.