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{{About|the California state historic park|the neighborhood of San Diego|Old Town, San Diego|the Old Town transit center|Old Town Transit Center (MTS Transit Center)}} |
{{About|the California state historic park|the neighborhood of San Diego|Old Town, San Diego|the Old Town transit center|Old Town Transit Center (MTS Transit Center)}} |
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{{Use mdy dates|date=August 2023}} |
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{{Infobox NRHP |
{{Infobox NRHP |
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| name =Old Town San Diego Historic District |
| name = Old Town San Diego Historic District |
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| nrhp_type = hd |
| nrhp_type = hd |
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| nocat = yes |
| nocat = yes |
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| image = |
| image = Old Town, San Diego, CA, USA - panoramio (87) crop.jpg |
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| caption = |
| caption = (2015) |
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| location= [[San Diego, California]] |
| location = [[San Diego, California]] |
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| coordinates = {{coord|32|45|16.77|N|117|11|50.42|W|display=inline,title}} |
| coordinates = {{coord|32|45|16.77|N|117|11|50.42|W|display=inline,title}} |
||
| locmapin = United States San Diego#USA California |
| locmapin = United States San Diego#USA California |
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| area ={{convert|29.08|acre|m2}} |
| area = {{convert|29.08|acre|m2}} |
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| built =1825 |
| built = 1825 |
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| architect |
| architect = |
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| architecture= Colonial |
| architecture = Colonial |
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| added = September 3, 1971 |
| added = September 3, 1971 |
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| governing_body = [[California State Parks]] |
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| refnum = 71000182<ref name="nris">{{NRISref|2007a}}</ref> |
| refnum = 71000182<ref name="nris">{{NRISref|2007a}}</ref> |
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| designated_other1 = California |
| designated_other1 = California |
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| designated_other1_number = 830<ref name=CHL>{{cite ohp|830|Old Town San Diego State Historic Park|2012-10-13}}</ref> |
| designated_other1_number = 830<ref name=CHL>{{cite ohp|830|Old Town San Diego State Historic Park|2012-10-13}}</ref> |
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| designated_other2=San Diego |
| designated_other2 = San Diego |
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| designated_other2_number=14 |
| designated_other2_number = 14 |
||
| designated_other2_date=November 6, 1970<ref name=SDHL>{{cite web|title=Historical Landmarks Designated by the San Diego Historical Resources Board|publisher=City of San Diego|url=http://www.sandiego.gov/planning/programs/historical/pdf/landmarklist.pdf}}</ref> |
| designated_other2_date = November 6, 1970<ref name=SDHL>{{cite web|title=Historical Landmarks Designated by the San Diego Historical Resources Board|publisher=City of San Diego|url=http://www.sandiego.gov/planning/programs/historical/pdf/landmarklist.pdf|access-date=2012-11-18|archive-date=2018-03-18|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180318002909/https://www.sandiego.gov/sites/default/files/legacy/planning/programs/historical/pdf/landmarklist.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> |
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}} |
}} |
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'''Old Town San Diego State Historic Park''' |
'''Old Town San Diego State Historic Park''' is a state protected historical park in the [[Old Town, San Diego|Old Town]] neighborhood of [[San Diego]], [[California]]. The park commemorates the early days of the City of San Diego and includes many historic buildings from the period 1820 to 1870. The park was established in 1968.<ref name ="SD Historical Society">{{Cite web |url=https://www.sandiegohistory.org/links/oldtown.htm |title=San Diego Historical Society: Old Town State Historic Park |access-date=2010-05-27 |archive-date=2010-11-23 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101123015200/http://www.sandiegohistory.org/links/oldtown.htm |url-status=live }}</ref> In 2005 and 2006, [[California State Parks]] listed Old Town San Diego as the most visited state park in California. |
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In 1969, the site was registered as [[California Historical Landmark]] #830.<ref name=CHL/> Then on September 3, 1971, it was added to the [[National Register of Historic Places listings in San Diego County, California|National Register of Historic Places]] as '''Old Town San Diego Historic District'''.<ref name="nris"/> |
In 1969, the site was registered as [[California Historical Landmark]] #830.<ref name=CHL/> Then on September 3, 1971, it was added to the [[National Register of Historic Places listings in San Diego County, California|National Register of Historic Places]] as '''Old Town San Diego Historic District'''.<ref name="nris"/> |
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The first European settlement on the [[West Coast of the United States|West Coast]] of the present-day United States was the [[San Diego Presidio]], a military outpost of [[Viceroyalty of New Spain|Spanish California]], founded by [[Gaspar de Portolà]] in 1769. [[Mission San Diego de Alcalá]] was founded by Father [[Junípero Serra]] the same year. The Presidio and Mission were originally built on a bluff above the [[San Diego River]], Presidio Hill, which is now the site of the city-owned [[Presidio Park]] and which is immediately adjacent to Old Town State Historic Park. |
The first European settlement on the [[West Coast of the United States|West Coast]] of the present-day United States was the [[San Diego Presidio]], a military outpost of [[Viceroyalty of New Spain|Spanish California]], founded by [[Gaspar de Portolà]] in 1769. [[Mission San Diego de Alcalá]] was founded by Father [[Junípero Serra]] the same year. The Presidio and Mission were originally built on a bluff above the [[San Diego River]], Presidio Hill, which is now the site of the city-owned [[Presidio Park]] and which is immediately adjacent to Old Town State Historic Park. |
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After five years the Mission moved to a location several miles upriver at the present site of Mission San Diego de Alcalá. Presidio Hill remained the primary settlement for several decades because it was defensible against attack by European enemies or hostile Native Americans. As the need for defense decreased, settlers preferred to live at the base of the hill because of greater convenience. In the 1820s the town of San Diego grew up at the base of the bluff, at the site commemorated by Old Town San Diego State Historic Park. The Presidio was abandoned and fell into disrepair.<ref> |
After five years the Mission moved to a location several miles upriver at the present site of Mission San Diego de Alcalá. Presidio Hill remained the primary settlement for several decades because it was defensible against attack by European enemies or hostile Native Americans. As the need for defense decreased, settlers preferred to live at the base of the hill because of greater convenience. In the 1820s the town of San Diego grew up at the base of the bluff, at the site commemorated by Old Town San Diego State Historic Park. The Presidio was abandoned and fell into disrepair.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.sandiegohistory.org/journal/68october/landscape.htm |title=Journal of San Diego History, October 1968 |access-date=2010-05-27 |archive-date=2011-06-05 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110605012709/https://www.sandiegohistory.org/journal/68october/landscape.htm |url-status=live }}</ref> |
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During the pueblo period following Mexican independence, the Old Town area was the commercial and governmental hub of the region, even though its population was never more than a few hundred. San Diego during this period is vividly described by [[Richard Henry Dana |
During the [[Pueblo San Diego|pueblo]] period following Mexican independence, the Old Town area was the commercial and governmental hub of the region, even though its population was never more than a few hundred. San Diego during this period is vividly described by [[Richard Henry Dana Jr.]] in his classic book ''[[Two Years Before the Mast]]''. In 1834 the Mexican government granted San Diego the status of a [[pueblo]] or chartered town; however, its pueblo status was revoked in 1838 due to declining population. One problem limiting the town's growth was its location far from navigable water. All imports and exports had to be brought ashore in [[Point Loma, San Diego|Point Loma]] and carried several miles over the [[La Playa Trail]] to the town.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.laplayatrail.org/ |title=La Playa Trail Association |access-date=2010-05-27 |archive-date=2010-04-15 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100415221350/http://www.laplayatrail.org/ |url-status=live }}</ref> |
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When California was admitted to the United States in 1850, San Diego (still largely limited to the Old Town area) was made the [[county seat]] of [[San Diego County]], even though the town's population was only 650.<ref> |
When California was admitted to the United States in 1850, San Diego (still largely limited to the Old Town area) was made the [[county seat]] of [[San Diego County]], even though the town's population was only 650.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.sandiegohistory.org/links/sandiegopopulation.htm |title=San Diego population table, San Diego Historical Society |access-date=2010-05-27 |archive-date=2009-06-08 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090608205722/http://www.sandiegohistory.org/links/sandiegopopulation.htm |url-status=live }}</ref> |
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The Old Town area remained the heart of the city of San Diego until the 1860s, when a newcomer to San Diego named [[Alonzo Horton]] began to promote development at the site of present-day [[Downtown San Diego]]. Residents and businesses quickly abandoned "Old Town" for Horton's "New Town" because of New Town's proximity to shipping. In 1871 government records were moved from Old Town to a new county courthouse in New Town, and Downtown permanently eclipsed Old Town as the focal point of San Diego.<ref>Engstrand, Iris Wilson, [https://books.google.com/books?id=RhCQUf1XQ84C&pg=PA87&lpg=PA87&dq=san+diego+%22new+town%22+horton&source=bl&ots=GKkR85eStS&sig=vemB-wSUJKMgseQu6P_1wXMdanU&hl=en&ei=ZdOrSv3FEY_oM-PK2fIN&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=4#v=onepage&q=san%20diego%20%22new%20town%22%20horton&f=false |
The Old Town area remained the heart of the city of San Diego until the 1860s, when a newcomer to San Diego named [[Alonzo Horton]] began to promote development at the site of present-day [[Downtown San Diego]]. Residents and businesses quickly abandoned "[[Old Town, San Diego|Old Town]]" for Horton's "New Town" because of New Town's proximity to shipping. In 1871 government records were moved from Old Town to a new county courthouse in New Town, and Downtown permanently eclipsed Old Town as the focal point of San Diego.<ref>Engstrand, Iris Wilson, [https://books.google.com/books?id=RhCQUf1XQ84C&dq=san+diego+%22new+town%22+horton&pg=PA87 ''San Diego: California's Cornerstone''] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140122083741/http://books.google.com/books?id=RhCQUf1XQ84C&pg=PA87&lpg=PA87&dq=san+diego+%22new+town%22+horton&source=bl&ots=GKkR85eStS&sig=vemB-wSUJKMgseQu6P_1wXMdanU&hl=en&ei=ZdOrSv3FEY_oM-PK2fIN&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=4#v=onepage&q=san%20diego%20%22new%20town%22%20horton&f=false |date=2014-01-22 }}, San Diego: [[Sunbelt Publications]], 2005, p. 80.</ref> |
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Old Town San Diego State Historic Park preserves and recreates Old Town as it existed during the Mexican and early American periods, from its settlement in 1821, through 1872 when it lost its dominant position to Downtown. |
Old Town San Diego State Historic Park preserves and recreates Old Town as it existed during the Mexican and early American periods, from its settlement in 1821, through 1872 when it lost its dominant position to Downtown. |
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== Attractions == |
== Attractions == |
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{{see|Plaza de Las Armas Landmarks}} |
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[[File:Cosmopolitan |
[[File:2019 Cosmopolitan Hotel 3.jpg|thumb|255px|The Cosmopolitan Hotel]] |
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[[File:Colorado House.jpg|thumb|255px|The First San Diego Courthouse, now the Courthouse Museum, (left) and Colorado House, location of the [[Wells Fargo History Museum]] (right)]] |
[[File:Colorado House.jpg|thumb|255px|The First San Diego Courthouse, now the Courthouse Museum, (left) and Colorado House, location of the [[Wells Fargo History Museum]] (right)]] |
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Five original [[adobe]] |
Five original [[adobe]] buildings are part of the complex, which includes shops, restaurants and museums. Other historic buildings include a schoolhouse, a blacksmith shop, San Diego's first newspaper office, a cigar and pipe store, houses and gardens, and a stable with a carriage collection. There are also stores, with local artisans demonstrating their craft. The shops located in this area are festive and distinctive that capture the cultural history of San Diego. They have boutiques, antique stores, retro shops, outlet centers and local independently owned shops. They also have diverse shops that highlight upcoming artists' work and their culture.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Sam |date=2016-12-09 |title=Complete Guide Old Town San Diego State Historic Park |url=https://www.oldtownmarketsandiego.com/san-diego-blog/old-town-san-diego-state-historic-park |access-date=2022-10-20 |website=Old Town Market San Diego |language=en-US}}</ref> There is no charge to enter the state park or any of its museums. |
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The museums include: |
The museums include: |
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*[[Plaza San Diego Viejo]], also called Plaza de Las Armas and Washington Square |
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* |
*[[Casa de Estudillo]], 1827 adobe house, a National Historic Landmark in its own right |
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* |
*[[Casa de Machado y Silvas]], 1840s adobe |
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* |
*[[Casa de Stewart|Casa de Machado y Stewart]], a restored 19th century adobe<ref>{{cite web|title=La Casa de Machado y Stewart Museum|url=http://hiddensandiego.net/machado-stewart-museum.php|publisher=Hidden San Diego|access-date=31 January 2015|archive-date=25 February 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150225074202/http://hiddensandiego.net/machado-stewart-museum.php|url-status=live}}</ref> |
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* ''' |
* '''Blackhawk Smithy & Stable''', which features [[blacksmith]] demonstrations |
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* '''Colorado House''', reconstructed 1850s hotel building that serves as the [[Wells Fargo History Museum]], featuring a reconstructed 19th-century stage stop and [[telegraph]] office<ref>{{cite web|title=Museums: San Diego|url=http://www.wellsfargohistory.com/museums/san-diego/|publisher=Wells Fargo Bank| |
* '''Colorado House''', reconstructed 1850s hotel building that serves as the [[Wells Fargo History Museum]](Now closed), featuring a reconstructed 19th-century stage stop and [[telegraph]] office<ref>{{cite web|title=Museums: San Diego|url=http://www.wellsfargohistory.com/museums/san-diego/|publisher=Wells Fargo Bank|access-date=31 January 2015|archive-date=24 February 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150224160149/http://www.wellsfargohistory.com/museums/san-diego/|url-status=live}}</ref> |
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* '''First San Diego Courthouse''', a reconstructed mid 19th century courthouse |
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* '''[[Johnson House, Old Town San Diego|Johnson House]] |
* '''First San Diego Courthouse''', a reconstructed mid-19th century courthouse |
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*[[Johnson House, Old Town San Diego|Johnson House]], a reconstructed mid-19th century office building later the house of [[George Alonzo Johnson]]. |
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* |
* [[Mason Street School]], the first public school house in San Diego<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.sandiegohistory.org/links/oldtown.htm#mason |title=Old Town State Historic Park | San Diego History Center |access-date=2008-09-06 |archive-date=2016-04-01 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160401073405/https://www.sandiegohistory.org/links/oldtown.htm#mason |url-status=live }}</ref> |
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* '''Racine and Laramie''' ("La Casa de Rodriguez"), a reconstructed mid |
* '''Racine and Laramie''' ("La Casa de Rodriguez"), a reconstructed mid-19th century period tobacconist |
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* '''San Diego Union Museum''', a mid-19th century period newspaper office and print shop |
* '''San Diego Union Museum''', a mid-19th century period newspaper office and print shop |
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* '''Seeley Stables''', a reconstructed mid |
* '''Seeley Stables''', a reconstructed mid-19th century stable and barns that feature horse-drawn buggies, wagons, carriages and western memorabilia |
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* |
*[[Cosmopolitan Hotel and Restaurant]] ("La Casa de Bandini"), an 1870 restored hotel, still working as hotel and restaurant. |
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* Living history demonstrations and free tours are regularly scheduled. Historical interpretation is primarily carried out by park employees and volunteers, and the Mexican Commercial corner is host to several locally based small businesses and artists. |
* Living history demonstrations and free tours are regularly scheduled. Historical interpretation is primarily carried out by park employees and volunteers, and the Mexican Commercial corner is host to several locally based small businesses and artists. |
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===Commercial concessions{{anchor|Recent changes}}=== |
===Commercial concessions{{anchor|Recent changes}}=== |
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The commercial facilities in Old Town State Park, such as restaurants and gift shops, are managed by outside contractors. For more than 30 years the largest single contractor was Bazaar del Mundo ("Bazaar of the World"), run by San Diego businesswoman Diane Powers. In a controversial move, in 2005 the state park agency did not renew her contract but awarded it to Plaza del Pasado ("Plaza of the Past"), run by Delaware North Companies.<ref> |
The commercial facilities in Old Town State Park, such as restaurants and gift shops, are managed by outside contractors. For more than 30 years the largest single contractor was Bazaar del Mundo ("Bazaar of the World"), run by San Diego businesswoman Diane Powers. In a controversial move, in 2005 the state park agency did not renew her contract but awarded it to Plaza del Pasado ("Plaza of the Past"), run by Delaware North Companies.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.sandiegomagazine.com/media/San-Diego-Magazine/August-2005/Tom-Blair-with-Diane-Powers/ |title=San Diego Magazine, August 2005 |access-date=2010-05-29 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110724040050/http://www.sandiegomagazine.com/media/San-Diego-Magazine/August-2005/Tom-Blair-with-Diane-Powers/ |archive-date=2011-07-24 |url-status=dead }}</ref> The goal was to create a more authentic and historically accurate presentation and appreciation of life and commerce in San Diego from 1821 to 1872. However revenue plunged under the new management.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://travel.signonsandiego.com/uniontrib/20080927/news_1n27oldtown.html |title=San Diego Union Tribune, September 27, 2008 |access-date=May 29, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110716070932/http://travel.signonsandiego.com/uniontrib/20080927/news_1n27oldtown.html |archive-date=July 16, 2011 |url-status=dead }}</ref> In spring 2009, Delaware North withdrew from its contract with the state and management changed hands to the Old Town Family Hospitality Corporation, headed by local restaurateur Chuck Ross.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/2010/may/05/cause-for-celebration-old-town-lightens-up/ |title=SignOn San Diego, May 5, 2010 |access-date=May 29, 2010 |archive-date=July 14, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210714042627/https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The commercial area is now called Fiesta de Reyes ("Festival of the Kings"). |
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===Adjacent attractions=== |
===Adjacent attractions=== |
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*Adjacent to the state park is [[Heritage Park (San Diego)|Heritage County Park]], run by [[San Diego County]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Heritage County Park|url=http://www.sandiegocounty.gov/parks/heritage.html|publisher=San Diego County| |
*Adjacent to the state park is [[Heritage Park (San Diego)|Heritage County Park]], run by [[San Diego County]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Heritage County Park|url=http://www.sandiegocounty.gov/parks/heritage.html|publisher=San Diego County|access-date=31 January 2015|archive-date=11 February 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150211030754/http://www.sandiegocounty.gov/parks/heritage.html|url-status=live}}</ref> It houses seven buildings from the 1880s and 1890s which have been moved there from elsewhere in the city. |
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*Also nearby is the [[Mormon Battalion]] Monument and Visitor Center. The city-owned [[Presidio Park]], site of the original [[Presidio of San Diego]], is on the adjacent hill. |
*Also nearby is the [[Mormon Battalion]] Monument and Visitor Center. The city-owned [[Presidio Park]], site of the original [[Presidio of San Diego]], is on the adjacent hill. |
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| ⚫ | *The [[San Diego Sheriff's Museum and Educational Center]] is located in Old Town. It includes police equipment, uniforms, patrol car, helicopter, motorcycle, a jail cell and courtroom.<ref>{{cite web|title=San Diego Sheriff's Museum and Educational Center|url=http://www.sdsheriff.net/co_museum.html|publisher=San Diego Sheriff's Department|access-date=26 July 2016|archive-date=16 June 2013|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130616124928/http://www.sdsheriff.net/co_museum.html|url-status=live}}</ref> |
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| ⚫ | *The [[Whaley House (San Diego, California)|Whaley House]] museum is also nearby.<ref>{{cite journal|last=Strudwick|first=June A.|date=April 1960|title=The Whaley House|journal=Journal of San Diego History|volume=6|issue=2|url=http://www.sandiegohistory.org/journal/60april/whaley.htm|access-date=2013-02-23|archive-date=2012-07-28|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120728081824/http://www.sandiegohistory.org/journal/60april/whaley.htm|url-status=live}}</ref> |
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| ⚫ |
*The [[San Diego Sheriff's Museum and Educational Center]] is located in Old Town. It includes police equipment, uniforms, patrol car, helicopter, motorcycle, a jail cell and courtroom.<ref>{{cite web|title=San Diego Sheriff's Museum and Educational Center|url=http://www.sdsheriff.net/co_museum.html |
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| ⚫ | *The [[Whaley House (San Diego, California)|Whaley House]] museum is also nearby.<ref>{{cite journal|last=Strudwick|first=June A.|date=April 1960|title=The Whaley House|journal=Journal of San Diego History|volume=6|issue=2|url=http://www.sandiegohistory.org/journal/60april/whaley.htm}}</ref> |
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==Gallery== |
==Gallery== |
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<gallery class="center" widths="220px" heights="187px"> |
<gallery class="center" widths="220px" heights="187px"> |
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|
McCoy House Museum, Old Town, San Diego, CA DSCN0409.JPG|McCoy House Museum |
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2019 Seeley Stable Museum 1.jpg|Seeley Stable Museum |
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San Diego - Old Town Theatre 01.jpg|Old Town Theater, currently used by Cygnet Theatre |
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Robinson-Rose House.jpg|The Robinson-Rose House, now the Visitor Center |
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</gallery> |
</gallery> |
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[[Category:Museums in San Diego]] |
[[Category:Museums in San Diego]] |
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[[Category:History museums in California]] |
[[Category:History museums in California]] |
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| ⚫ | |||
[[Category:Landmarks in San Diego]] |
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[[Category:Open-air museums in California]] |
[[Category:Open-air museums in California]] |
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[[Category:Parks in San Diego]] |
[[Category:Parks in San Diego]] |
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[[Category:History of San Diego]] |
[[Category:History of San Diego]] |
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[[Category:Houses in San Diego]] |
[[Category:Houses in San Diego]] |
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| ⚫ | |||
[[Category:National Register of Historic Places in San Diego]] |
[[Category:National Register of Historic Places in San Diego]] |
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[[Category:Protected areas established in 1968]] |
[[Category:Protected areas established in 1968]] |
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Old Town San Diego Historic District | |
San Diego Historic Landmark No. 14 | |
(2015)
| |
 
 Show map of California | |
| Location | San Diego, California |
|---|---|
| Coordinates | 32°45′16.77″N 117°11′50.42″W / 32.7546583°N 117.1973389°W / 32.7546583; -117.1973389 |
| Area | 29.08 acres (117,700 m2) |
| Built | 1825 |
| Architectural style | Colonial |
| NRHP reference No. | 71000182[1] |
| CHISL No. | 830[2] |
| SDHL No. | 14 |
| Significant dates | |
| Added to NRHP | September 3, 1971 |
| Designated SDHL | November 6, 1970[3] |
Old Town San Diego State Historic Park is a state protected historical park in the Old Town neighborhood of San Diego, California. The park commemorates the early days of the City of San Diego and includes many historic buildings from the period 1820 to 1870. The park was established in 1968.[4] In 2005 and 2006, California State Parks listed Old Town San Diego as the most visited state park in California.
In 1969, the site was registered as California Historical Landmark #830.[2] Then on September 3, 1971, it was added to the National Register of Historic PlacesasOld Town San Diego Historic District.[1]
The first European settlement on the West Coast of the present-day United States was the San Diego Presidio, a military outpost of Spanish California, founded by Gaspar de Portolà in 1769. Mission San Diego de Alcalá was founded by Father Junípero Serra the same year. The Presidio and Mission were originally built on a bluff above the San Diego River, Presidio Hill, which is now the site of the city-owned Presidio Park and which is immediately adjacent to Old Town State Historic Park.
After five years the Mission moved to a location several miles upriver at the present site of Mission San Diego de Alcalá. Presidio Hill remained the primary settlement for several decades because it was defensible against attack by European enemies or hostile Native Americans. As the need for defense decreased, settlers preferred to live at the base of the hill because of greater convenience. In the 1820s the town of San Diego grew up at the base of the bluff, at the site commemorated by Old Town San Diego State Historic Park. The Presidio was abandoned and fell into disrepair.[5]
During the pueblo period following Mexican independence, the Old Town area was the commercial and governmental hub of the region, even though its population was never more than a few hundred. San Diego during this period is vividly described by Richard Henry Dana Jr. in his classic book Two Years Before the Mast. In 1834 the Mexican government granted San Diego the status of a pueblo or chartered town; however, its pueblo status was revoked in 1838 due to declining population. One problem limiting the town's growth was its location far from navigable water. All imports and exports had to be brought ashore in Point Loma and carried several miles over the La Playa Trail to the town.[6]
When California was admitted to the United States in 1850, San Diego (still largely limited to the Old Town area) was made the county seatofSan Diego County, even though the town's population was only 650.[7]
The Old Town area remained the heart of the city of San Diego until the 1860s, when a newcomer to San Diego named Alonzo Horton began to promote development at the site of present-day Downtown San Diego. Residents and businesses quickly abandoned "Old Town" for Horton's "New Town" because of New Town's proximity to shipping. In 1871 government records were moved from Old Town to a new county courthouse in New Town, and Downtown permanently eclipsed Old Town as the focal point of San Diego.[8]
Old Town San Diego State Historic Park preserves and recreates Old Town as it existed during the Mexican and early American periods, from its settlement in 1821, through 1872 when it lost its dominant position to Downtown.
The Old Town area is a popular tourist destination, known especially for its Mexican restaurants. The state park itself hosts several eating establishments, and other restaurants and gift shops are found in the surrounding neighborhood.
Five original adobe buildings are part of the complex, which includes shops, restaurants and museums. Other historic buildings include a schoolhouse, a blacksmith shop, San Diego's first newspaper office, a cigar and pipe store, houses and gardens, and a stable with a carriage collection. There are also stores, with local artisans demonstrating their craft. The shops located in this area are festive and distinctive that capture the cultural history of San Diego. They have boutiques, antique stores, retro shops, outlet centers and local independently owned shops. They also have diverse shops that highlight upcoming artists' work and their culture.[9] There is no charge to enter the state park or any of its museums.
The museums include:
The commercial facilities in Old Town State Park, such as restaurants and gift shops, are managed by outside contractors. For more than 30 years the largest single contractor was Bazaar del Mundo ("Bazaar of the World"), run by San Diego businesswoman Diane Powers. In a controversial move, in 2005 the state park agency did not renew her contract but awarded it to Plaza del Pasado ("Plaza of the Past"), run by Delaware North Companies.[13] The goal was to create a more authentic and historically accurate presentation and appreciation of life and commerce in San Diego from 1821 to 1872. However revenue plunged under the new management.[14] In spring 2009, Delaware North withdrew from its contract with the state and management changed hands to the Old Town Family Hospitality Corporation, headed by local restaurateur Chuck Ross.[15] The commercial area is now called Fiesta de Reyes ("Festival of the Kings").
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