Named for the City of La Mesa where the Post was first chartered. It was led by its first elected Commander, Dr. Joseph A. Parks (who had relocated to La Mesa in 1905 and who had served as an Army doctor during the Great War (World War I) and who was later elected the first Commander of the San Diego County Council of the American Legion). His leadership was instrumental in the growth of the Post and to the American Legion’s continued presence in La Mesa and later in San Diego county.

The Post has continuously remained in the City of La Mesa since its founding in 1923. Today, the Post is host to various other veterans organizations such as the VFW O.K. Ingram Ship 1774 (named after the first Medal of Honor recipient from World War I) and its Auxiliary, AMVETS Post 1775, and the Air Force Sergeants Association Chapter 1365 of San Diego and Imperial Counties. To better serve all of the veterans in La Mesa and surrounding communities, the Post is affectionately known as the La Mesa Veterans Club.