A Rich Naval History: About Chollas Heights
Chollas Heights Historical was originally part of the Chollas Heights Naval Radio Transmitting Facility, a component of the U.S. Naval Communication Station San Diego. The Navy acquired the land in 1914 to build a high-power radio transmitter facility, including three 600-foot towers, supporting facilities, and housing for a small number of officers and enlisted men. The first transmitter was a 200-kilowatt arc converter, the most powerful in North America when it first went on the air in 1917. Over the years, additional support buildings were constructed, residence capacity expanded, and recreational facilities added for residents and their families. Today, the onsite museum showcases photos, artifacts, and a scale model of the site. It serves as a proud reminder of the early days of U.S. Naval ingenuity.
