Category: History

Within the heart of historic Old Town San Diego lies a story of ambition, wealth, cultural exchange, and a remarkable legacy that still resonates today. …

San Diego, known for its stunning coastline and vibrant culture, also boasts a rich tapestry of history. Among its historical treasures is Temple Beth Israel, …

At the end of Heritage Park Row in Old Town San Diego stands the McConaughy House, a stunning Victorian-era residence that has borne witness to …

At the heart of the bustling Old Town San Diego State Historic Park, lies the magnificent Casa de Estudillo – a hidden gem waiting to …

Published on February 18, 2008. Written by Victor A. Walsh, San Diego Coast District Historian. Cosmopolitan Chronicle: Vol. 1, No 1. The Casa de Bandini, …

Free Walking Tours Explore the State Historic Park with an expert during this hour-long guided tour. This family-friendly ½ mile tour will explore the community …

Located in Old Town San Diego’s Heritage County Park, the Sherman-Gilbert House stands as a testament to a bygone era. Constructed in 1887 by the …

Written by by Dr. Victor A. Walsh, Historian II, California State Parks José Manuel Machado, a retired soldier from the presidio, built the Casa de …

Within Heritage County Park in Old Town San Diego the Senlis Cottage stands as a testament to the modest dwellings that working-class individuals occupied during …

The Plaza de las Armas, also known as the “Washington Square,” is a significant historical site located within the Old Town San Diego State Historic …

Originally published by Save Our Heritage Organization and written by Dean Glass. In 1850, one of the founders of New San Diego William Heath Davis …

Originally published on February 23, 2021 for the California State Parks Foundation and written by Shakaylah Leonard. Old Town San Diego State Historic Park is …

Among the stately homes of Heritage County Park, the Bushyhead House stands as a testament to the city’s rich history and cultural diversity. Built in …

By Nathan Fogerson, San Diego State University Intern, Spring 2021 Life on the frontier was isolating in many ways—communities were small and often insular, communication …

Written and published by Victor Walsh, San Diego Coast District Historian II on March 12, 2002. William Heath Davis, an American land speculator and promoter …

Nestled in the heart of Old Town San Diego lies a hidden gem of historical significance, the Christian House in Heritage County Park. This stately …

San Diego, California, is a city rich in history, with many unique landmarks and attractions to explore. One such landmark is the First San Diego …

Nestled in the heart of historic Old Town San Diego lies a true gem of California’s rich religious history – the Immaculate Conception Church. For …

Looking for a historic destination in sunny San Diego that offers a glimpse into the life of one of the city’s most prominent figures? Look …

The Mason Street Schoolhouse, located in San Diego, California, is a historic gem that provides a glimpse into the educational system of the late 19th …

By Nathan Fogerson, Intern, Old Town San Diego State Historic Park, Spring 2021, San Diego State University The origins of the First San Diego Courthouse …

The Junípero Serra Museum, operated by the San Diego History Center, continues to be an iconic regional landmark located just above Old Town San Diego …

Featuring decorative Eastlake brackets, a low-pitched roof and a bay window, this house was built in 1887 by John McConaughy. Born in 1809, he came …

This prefabricated wood-frame structure probably arrived from the East Coast by ship in 1851. The building was reassembled in Old Town San Diego. In 1868, …

Originally published in Journal of the California Missions Foundation. Written by Paul G. Chace Introduction Father Junipero Serra’s heart carried a grave concern, a personal …

Burton House Pediments and dentil cornices, attributed to classic sources, mark this 1893 Classic Revival house. It was built during a trend that began to …

Seeley Stable was a “well built and sturdy” two-story, square-sided, shingle-roofed barn used to stable horses and house stagecoaches. It was probably the first structure …

Bushyhead House. Built by early San Diego County Sheriff and newspaper owner Edward Wilkerson (Ned) Bushyhead, this 1887 Italianate style house combines double doors with …

Home to one of the state’s most distinguished 19th century families, La Casa de Estudillo was San Diego’s social and religious center during the Mexican …

Since 2019, California has proclaimed the second Monday in October to be Indigenous Peoples’ Day. In his proclamation, Governor Newsom said, “Today we celebrate the …

Temple Beth Israel San Diego’s first synagogue was built by Congregation Beth Israel in 1889 in the Classic Revival style. The temple also served as …

Sherman-Gilbert House (1887) This house was built and first owned by John Sherman, cousin of General William Tecumseh Sherman. The “widow’s walk” and circular window are …

Originally built in 1869, the McCoy House is the reconstructed wood-frame residence of Sheriff James McCoy and his wife Winnifred. McCoy came to San Diego …

This graceful residence was constructed by Harfield Timberlake Christian, founder of an early San Diego abstract company. It is built in a popular late Victorian …

The original Seeley Stables were built circa 1869 to support the transportation services offered by Albert L. Seeley. It was said that Seeley once purchased …