Gaslamp Quarter in San Diego in San Diego County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)

Montijo Building 1881

Photographed by Denise Boose, August 7, 2016

1. Montijo Building 1881 Marker

Inscription. This one-story building with 12-inch-thick walls was used as John Young's morgue from 1881 to 1885. John Young was the County Coroner, and claimed embalming to be his specialty. The basement vault was surrounded by ropes used to lower caskets into the ground to keep them cool. In 1885, the undertaking rooms were removed, and the Gray and Co. furniture store took over. The Montijo family, locally known for their saddle shops, opened another at this site in 1892.

Erected by Gaslamp Quarter Association, Gaslamp Quarter Historical Foundation, San Diego Historical Society. (Marker Number 56.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Industry & Commerce. In addition, it is included in the San Diego - Gaslamp Quarter series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1881.

Location. 32° 42.671′ N, 117° 9.625′ W. Marker is in San Diego, California, in San Diego County. It is in the Gaslamp Quarter. It is on 5th Ave north of Island Avenue, on the left when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 560 5th Ave, San Diego CA 92101, United States of America.

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Regionally, this marker is in California’s Peninsular Ranges.

It is also on the American Pacific Coast.

Globally, it is in North America,

on the Ring of Fire,

in the Pacific Rim,

in the Western Hemisphere,

in the Western World,

and in the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain

and also Mexico’s Alta California.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Lowenstein Building, 1887 (a few steps from this marker); Timkin Building, 1894 (a few steps from this marker); The Lewis Brick Block (a few steps from this marker); The Lincoln Hotel 1913 (within shouting distance of this marker); Pacifica Hotel, 1910 (within shouting distance of this marker); Yamada Building, 1869 (within shouting distance of this marker); Broker’s Building (within shouting distance of this marker); Chinese Laundry, 1923 (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in San Diego.

Another marker is no longer nearby. Lester Hotel (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been confirmed missing).

Photographed by Denise Boose, August 7, 2016

2. Montijo Building 1881 Marker

Photographed by Denise Boose, August 7, 2016

3. Montijo Building 1881 Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on October 28, 2024. It was originally submitted on October 29, 2017, by Denise Boose of Tehachapi, California. This page has been viewed 841 times since then and 56 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on October 29, 2017, by Denise Boose of Tehachapi, California. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.