Lillian Russell Marks Opening of Grossmont’s El Granito Avenue in 1913
In 1913, renowned opera singer Lillian Russell drove the first automobile to the summit of Grossmont in San Diego, marking the opening of the newly constructed road, El Granito Avenue, which was developed by Edward Fletcher as part of his…
San Diego, CA, September 16, 2026 — In 1913, a notable milestone was achieved in San Diego’s Grossmont area with the inauguration of El Granito Avenue. The occasion was marked by a significant event: the first automobile journey to the summit of Grossmont, led by the renowned opera singer Lillian Russell.
The newly constructed road, El Granito Avenue, was a key development undertaken by Edward Fletcher. Fletcher’s vision for the Grossmont area included the creation of a residential community, and the completion of this road was integral to that plan.
Lillian Russell, a celebrated figure in the opera world, piloted the first automobile to reach the summit via El Granito Avenue. This event not only symbolized the advent of automotive travel to the elevated terrain but also signified the official opening of the road itself. The presence of a prominent personality like Russell drew attention to the development and its potential.
Edward Fletcher’s broader objective was to foster the growth of a residential community in Grossmont. The development of infrastructure, such as El Granito Avenue, was crucial for making the area accessible and attractive for future residents. The successful traversal to the summit by an automobile underscored the road’s functionality and paved the way for further residential planning and construction in the region.
The year 1913 thus represents a pivotal moment for Grossmont, characterized by infrastructural advancement and a symbolic journey that heralded a new era of accessibility and community development.
Story summarized from the original created by Debbie L. Sklar • Times of San Diego on timesofsandiego.com, see more information here.
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