Old Town Historic State Park

History of Old Town Park

Old Town State Park is the birthplace of California, because it is the first state settlement. Here you can get acquainted with the life of Mexican settlers, take a walk in the lush gardens or visit one of the many specialized shops. Indulge in authentic Mexican cuisine or dance with roaming musicians and the Old Town Park.

In 1821, when Mexico gained independence from Spain, a small group of Mexican settlers began building houses at the foot of a hill in the area of the present old center. Since there was not enough wood at that time, a sun-dried brick was used. Thus, the buildings looked different — they were brownish-red.

After Mexican independence, the city became a center of commerce. San Diego was nicknamed Pueblo, a charter city. In 1834, he was vividly described in the classic memoir, “Two Years Before the Mast,” by Richard Henry Dan, Jr.

In 1848, the American flag was first hoisted over San Diego, and in 1850, California was admitted to the Union. In 1868, the San Diego Union, the first local newspaper, began to be published in the Old Town. Her office has now been restored in the form in which it was originally.

In the period between fires, droughts, earthquakes and diseases, the population of the Old Town decreased during the second half of the 19th century. Soon, all government agencies moved to the New City, which was founded by Alonzo Horton from San Francisco.

In 1907, work began on the restoration of the old quarter. Over the coming decades, new buildings were built and old ones restored. In 1968, Old Town became a state historical park. Since then, millions of visitors have come to learn about the daily life of Mexicans and early Americans.

What is interesting park

Old Town Park was founded in 1968 and is a living historical monument, which includes numerous buildings of the XIX century. It includes various aspects of the early history and culture of San Diego from 1820 to 1870 - the time of the transition from Mexican to American rule.

In addition to its historical heritage, the park has shops and restaurants offering authentic handicrafts and local specialties. You can enjoy street performers and attend several annual cultural festivals, including Cinco de Mayo, Dia de los Muertos and Fiesta Navidad.

What to do in Old Town Park

Entrance to the park and individual museums is free. A guided tour is available at an additional cost. From October to April, museums are open from 10:00 am to 04:00 pm, from Monday to Friday. From May to September, they are open daily from 10:00 am to 05:00 pm.

• In addition to the surviving buildings, the park also includes several accurate reconstructions.
• The guest center is located in Robinson Rose's home. Originally built in 1853, this two-story building served as an office for the railway. It was also used as a school, district secretary's office and prison cell.
• In the center of visitors there is a diorama depicting the Old City as it existed in 1892. Workers in the forge shop built in 1860 demonstrate the forging and casting process. The reconstructed stables and residential buildings show the life of farmers in the mid-19th century.
• Casa de Estudillo is one of the oldest surviving mansions in California. Considered one of the best houses of its time, it serves as the venue for Helen Jackson’s novel Ramona.
• For many years, Casa de Machado has been a family residence, guesthouse and restaurant. The former residence of the soldier boasts limestone walls, a barrel-shaped roof made of clay tiles and a beautiful garden.
• The Mormon Battalion helped build the courthouse, which became the first brick public building in Old Town. The building served as the city hall and school, and behind it was a prison cell.