Old Town in San Diego in San Diego County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)

San Diego Presidio Site

Photographed by Syd Whittle, March 18, 2006

1. San Diego Presidio Site Marker

Inscription. Soldiers, sailors, Indians, and Franciscan missionaries from New Spain occupied the land at Presidio Hill on May 17, 1769 as a military outpost. Two months later, Fr. Junípero Serra established the first San Diego Mission on Presidio Hill. Officially proclaimed a Spanish Presidio on January 1, 1774, the fortress was later occupied by a succession of Mexican forces. The Presidio was abandoned in 1837 after San Diego became a pueblo.

Erected 1992 by State Department of Parks and Recreation, San Diego Department of Parks and Recreation, and Squibob Chapter E Clampus Vitus. (Marker Number 59.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Forts and Castles • Indigenous Peoples and Communities • Religion & Religious Structures • Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the California Historical Landmarks, the E Clampus Vitus, and the National Historic Landmarks series lists. A significant historical date for this entry is January 1, 1774.

Location. 32° 45.569′ N, 117° 11.648′ W. Marker is in San Diego, California, in San Diego County. It is in Old Town. It can be reached from Presidio Drive. Marker is located next to the parking lot across Presidio Drive from Serra Museum, Presidio

Paid Advertisement

Click or scan to see
this page online

Park, Old Town, San Diego. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 2727 Presidio Dr, San Diego CA 92103, United States of America. Touch for directions.

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: Fray Junipero Serra (within shouting distance of this marker); Junipero Serra Museum (within shouting distance of this marker); George White Marston (within shouting distance of this marker); Sylvester Pattie (within shouting distance of this marker); Site with Many Cultures (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Serra Palm (about 600 feet away); Derby Dike (about 600 feet away); La Playa Trail (about 600 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in San Diego.

Also see . . . California Military Museum: El Presidio Real de San Diego. (Submitted on September 6, 2008.)

Additional commentary.
1. National Historic Landmark
Statement of Significance (designated October 9, 1960):
In 1769, at this site, the Portola-Serra land and sea expeditions united and established the first permanent European settlement of the Pacific Coast of the present-day United States. Fray Junipero Serra founded the Mission of San Diego de Alcala, the first of the California missions. The Presidio served as a base

Photographed by Syd Whittle, March 18, 2006

2. San Diego Presidio Site Marker

for exploring expeditions into the interior and as the military headquarters for Southern California.

The Presidio site is located on a bluff which was been eroded and undermined since it was cut away for road construction at the foot of the bluff. The bluff has now been stabilized, backfilled and capped, and the site is being regularly monitored by skilled professionals.

— Submitted September 26, 2008.

Photographed by Craig Baker, March 10, 2026

3. San Diego Presidio Site Marker

Photographed by Drew W, January 24, 2013

4. San Diego Presidio Site Marker

The Serra Museum is seen in the background.

National Historic Landmark image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Craig Baker, March 10, 2026

5. National Historic Landmark

This plaque is located on the museum building.

Credits. This page was last revised on March 22, 2026. It was originally submitted on September 6, 2008, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. This page has been viewed 2,827 times since then and 67 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on September 6, 2008, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. 3. submitted on March 18, 2026, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. 4. submitted on January 29, 2013, by Drew W of Vista, California. 5. submitted on March 18, 2026, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. • Kevin W. was the editor who published this page.