John D. Spreckels

John Diedrich Spreckels (August 16, 1853 – June 7, 1926), the son of German-American industrialist Claus Spreckels, founded a transportation and real estate empire in San Diego, California in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The entrepreneur's many business ventures included the Hotel del Coronado and the San Diego and Arizona Railway, both of which are credited with helping San Diego develop into a major commercial center. Upon his death he was eulogized as "One of America's few great Empire Builders who invested millions to turn a struggling, bankrupt village into the beautiful and cosmopolitan city San Diego is today."

Personal facts

John D. Spreckels
Birth dateAugust 16, 1853
Birth place
Charleston South Carolina
Date of deathJune 07, 1926
Place of death
San Diego
Parents
Claus Spreckels

Search