Borrego Springs Military History

This particular Scout Car, USA-W1162547, was used by General Patton's Third Army in the Anza-Borrego desert while training for the invasion of North Africa in 1943.

Borrego’s Military Echoes Borrego Springs is renowned for its serene deserts and pristine night skies, but beneath its tranquil surface lies a military past rooted deeply in the sands of time. The Borrego Hotel, once an Emergency Landing Field and Bombing Range during World War II, stands as a testament to the area’s contribution to the nation’s wartime readiness. Borrego’s Wartime Role In 1941, as global conflicts escalated, the U.S. Navy selected the remote desert of Borrego Springs for military preparedness. The Borrego Hotel was transformed into a strategic site where pilots practiced vital skills such as high-altitude bombing and emergency procedures essential for combat. The facility included a 250-foot by 2600-foot dirt runway and a distinctive bombing target marked by concentric circles, making it a significant training hub for the San Diego Naval Air Station. The AT-11 Kansan was the typical aircraft used for bomb target practice. Military Legacy and Community Safeguarding Post-war, the site continued under Navy use until 1955, after which it was returned to private hands. Today, the land is primarily recreational, but the imprints of history remain. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has been involved in the environmental restoration of this Formerly Used Defense Site (FUDS), ensuring that the land, once a cradle of wartime activity, is now safe for public enjoyment. Their efforts included detailed investigations to identify and mitigate any residual hazards, confirming the area’s use for military training with findings of practice bombs and munitions debris. Echoes of History in Modern Tranquility The shift from a training ground to tranquil desert is profound. Where pilots once honed their wartime skills, visitors now experience peace and quietude. The Borrego Hotel’s legacy, intertwined with environmental restoration endeavors, continues to shape the region’s identity, bridging its historical military importance with its present-day role as a sanctuary for nature and relaxation. Voices from the Past: Borrego Springs’ Military Heritage Borrego Springs’ military heritage is preserved not only in historical documents but also in the memories and accounts of those who lived and served in the area. Interviews with local residents and military personnel offer a personal glimpse into the past, bringing to life the stories not captured in written records alone. Sgt. Grayson’s Insights : SGT Grayson of the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department Arson/Explosives Unit shared that he had no knowledge of ordnance activity at the Borrego Hotel site, extending his insights to the broader region of Anza Borrego State Park. Fire Department’s Perspective : Investigator Steve Sawyer of the Borrego Springs Fire Department Arson/Bomb Unit also had no recollection of ordnance presence at the former Borrego Hotel Site. Local Law Enforcement Observations : Deputies Hahn and McKenna confirmed no awareness of a target area or ordnance presence at the site, acknowledging other range activities within the Anza Borrego Desert State Park. Lifelong Residents’ Accounts : Nancy Ellis and David Ragsdill shared their lack of awareness of military activity at the Borrego Hotel site but knew of other military sites in the area. Legacy in the Land : Florence Leedy provided an account of a concentric circle bombing target on her property. Park Rangers’ Confirmation : Park Rangers like Fred Jee, Mark Jorgensen, and Jim Meiers acknowledged no knowledge of ordnance at the Borrego Hotel site but were familiar with evidence of past military activity within the area. Borrego Hotel: A Timeline of Transformation Pre-1941 : The area where Camp Ensign would be built was originally Ensign Ranch date palm orchards. 1941 : Opening of the Borrego Hotel Target Area for high-altitude bombing, dive-bombing, and strafing. 1942 : Establishment of the Borrego Valley Maneuver Area by the US Army as an Anti-Aircraft Training Center, also used by the Marine Corps. Construction of bombing stations, strafing stations, rocket targets, and anti-aircraft artillery for training. 1943 : US Marines construct Camp Ensign for military truck driving training at night. Ensign Ranch Airfield is built just south of Camp Ensign. 1944 : Closure of the Borrego Valley Maneuver Area in August. 1955 : Closure of the Borrego Hotel Target Area and Naval Outlying Landing Field. 1956 : Sale of the land of the Borrego Hotel Target Area and Naval Outlying Landing Field. Present : The region is known for recreational use and desert serenity, with environmental restoration efforts by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in the 1990s-2010s. Today, it is celebrated for its natural beauty and quietude, with historical significance commemorated by the community. These interviews and historical insights underscore the layered history of Borrego Springs, where the military past intersects with civilian life, creating a rich tapestry of heritage and tranquility. Check out this military report for more details. 

From Norway to Spain: Sylvia Maas Rides for Borrego Springs Students On June 20, 2026, the NorthCape–Tarifa race will begin at 12:01 a.m. at the North Cape in Norway. Described as the world's longest bicycle race, the event follows a route of nearly 7,000 kilometers to Tarifa, Spain, the southernmost point of mainland Europe. Among the riders will be Borrego Springs ultra cyclist Sylvia Maas , who will be riding for her Bike4BorregoKids initiative. Track Sylvia Here The race begins at the North Cape in Norway and ends in Tarifa, Spain. Along the way, riders pass through several major checkpoints, including: Helsinki, Finland Hill of Crosses, Lithuania Torun, Poland Bregenz, Austria Col du Galibier, France Nice, France Port d’Envalira, Andorra Pico del Veleta, Spain Tarifa, Spain The route covers nearly 7,000 kilometers and includes mountain passes, historic cities, and some of the most demanding cycling terrain in Europe.

Discover Borrego Springs County Park, a pet-friendly haven with separate areas for small and large dogs, ample play spaces, safety features like double-gate entries, and amenities including water faucets and waste bags. Enjoy clean, spacious areas for pets and scenic views, making it the perfect destination for relaxation and fun..

ABF’s latest blog explores the surprising chain of events that led to the creation of Camp Borrego.

East County News Service May 31, 2026 (San Diego) – You’re invited to see James and Anne Hubbell’s acclaimed home and art studios near Julian, California. Docent-led tours are offered each Thursday through Saturday in June, starting at 10 a.m.An immersive art and nature experience, each 90-minute tour covers the art and architecture of famed architect and artist James Hubbell amid the surrounding unspoiled natural beauty of the Santa Ysabel landscape. Admission fees go entirely to support Ilan-Lael Foundation, a 501 (c) (3) non-profit dedicated to preserving the Hubbell property and its legacy of bringing art and nature to the community. Reservations are required. For tickets ($45) and details, visit https://ilanlaelfoundation.org/ .

Charles Robert Starrett was an American actor and singer, best known for his role as “The Durango Kid” in over 100 Western films. Born on March 28th, 1903 in Athol, Massachusetts, Starrett began his acting career in the silent era before transitioning to sound films. He passed away on March 22nd, 1986, in Borrego Springs, California.

SDVoyager feature recognizes the leadership behind the Borrego Springs Community Resource Center Martha Deichler, executive director of the Borrego Springs Community Resource Center (CRC), was recently featured by SDVoyager for her years of service helping families, seniors, workers, and individuals throughout the community. In the feature, Deichler shared how the CRC grew from a small food bank effort during the COVID-19 pandemic into a major hub for community support services. As unemployment and hardship spread through the area during the pandemic, local residents began turning to the food bank not only for groceries, but also for help navigating unemployment applications, vaccine appointments, Medi-Cal, transportation needs, and other essential services. What started as emergency food assistance eventually evolved into the Borrego Springs Community Resource Center, which today offers a wide range of programs including food distribution, English and Spanish classes, citizenship classes, grief counseling, transportation assistance, computer literacy support, AA meetings, and caregiver training programs. Deichler described herself in the article as a “connector,” someone who helps match people with resources, services, and support systems. Her background working in the school district and her ability to speak Spanish have helped her build trusted relationships with families throughout the community. One program highlighted in the story addresses the growing need for caregivers for older adults who wish to remain in the area as they age. Through the CRC’s caregiver initiative, local residents can receive training and assistance connecting with In-Home Support Services (IHSS) opportunities, helping seniors remain independent while creating employment opportunities locally. The article also emphasized the generosity of the community and the support that has allowed the CRC to continue expanding services over the past several years. At 77 years old, Deichler shared that she has no plans to slow down, continuing her work to respond to the changing needs of the community and strengthen programs that help residents access food, healthcare, transportation, education, and support services. The full SDVoyager feature can be viewed here: Read the SDVoyager feature on Martha Deichler

County Funding Shapes Fire Protection, Roads, Libraries, and Emergency Services in Borrego Springs

Former San Diego City Manager and Casa del Zorro partner weighs in on county charter reforms that could reach voters this November.