The 1888 completion of the dam allowed for irrigation of Chula Vista farming lands. Chula Vista eventually became the largest lemon-growing center in the world for a period of time. , the oldest surviving buildings in Chula Vista originate from around this time, including the Barber house, and the Cordrey house.</ref> Additionally, the Coronado Belt Line Railroad was built through Chula Vista, connecting Hotel Del Coronado with the National City, where Southern California Railroad terminated. Another railroad built through Chula Vista, was the National City and Otay Railroad, which was routed down Third Avenue.</ref> During the depression at the end of the century, industrial employment in Chula Vista was limited to the La Punta Salt Works and packing houses.