John Dietrich Spreckels (pictured to the left) did more than any other individual in San Diego's history to help the city prosper. His visionary leadership helped put San Diego on the map of national and international commerce. Convinced by local civic boosters that San Diego was ideally located for commerce, Spreckels at the age of 34, began investing in the community. He bought the utility company, street car system, water company and established the San Diego & Arizona Eastern railroad, opening San Diego to the east. CLICK TO READ MORE