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

The Whaley House

Photographed by Craig Baker, March 9, 2026

1. The Whaley House Marker

Inscription. Built by Thomas Whaley in 1856-57, this is the oldest brick structure in Southern California. In addition to being the home of the Whaley Family, it served variously as granary, store, courthouse and school, and as the town’s first theater. Whaley’s home was the cultural center of San Diego as well as its most luxurious residence.

Erected 1959 by San Diego County Board of Supervisors, and Historical Markers Committee. (Marker Number 65.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Entertainment • Industry & Commerce • Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the California Historical Landmarks series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1856.

Location. 32° 45.165′ N, 117° 11.677′ W. Marker is in San Diego, California, in San Diego County. It is in Old Town. It can be reached from the intersection of San Diego Avenue and Harney Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 2482 San Diego Ave, San Diego CA 92110, 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: James "Yankee Jim" Robinson (here, next to this marker); Old Town San Diego Timeline (a few steps from this marker); The Whaley House Courtroom (a few steps from this marker);

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Verna House (a few steps from this marker); Derby Dike (within shouting distance of this marker); Lt. George H. Derby (within shouting distance of this marker); Derby-Pendleton House (within shouting distance of this marker); Adobe Chapel of The Immaculate Conception (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line). Touch for a list and map of all markers in San Diego.

Regarding The Whaley House. This is California Historical Landmark No. 65.

Also see . . . The Whaley House Museum. The Whaley House Museum Web Site has several very interesting links on different aspects of the Whaley House; The history of the house, the Whaley family, the “haunting” of what many consider to be the “most haunted house in the country” and articles about SOHO (Save our Heritage Organization). (Submitted on September 21, 2008, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona.)

Photographed by Meg B, October 11, 2018

2. The Whaley House Marker

Photographed by Adam Margolis, March 21, 2021

3. The Whaley House Marker

The marker is on the right and a restoration plaque is on the left.

Whaley House Markers image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Craig Baker, March 9, 2026

4. Whaley House Markers

The Whaley House image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Craig Baker, March 9, 2026

5. The Whaley House

Photographed by Adam Margolis, March 21, 2021

6. The Whaley House

Whaley House - Restoration image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Syd Whittle, November 28, 2005

7. Whaley House - Restoration