The Spanish Land Grant, El Rancho de la Nacion, was purchased by Frank, Warren and Levi Kimball in 1868. The Kimball brothers cleared the lands, built roads, constructed the City's first wharf and brought the railroad to the City. They successfully advertised National City as the most healthful climate on earth. Soon tree-lined streets connected graceful Victorian homes, and orchards flourished over rolling hills.

National City is home to over 3,000 businesses - a remarkable number for a city with a population of 61,115. As one of the healthiest business climates in Southern California, National City businesses come from various industries and sectors. Business types range from small family-owned operations to multi million dollar corporations. National City also boasts the highest sales tax per capita in the County.