Old Town in San Diego in San Diego County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
Estudillo House
Photographed by Craig Baker, March 9, 2026
1. Estudillo House Marker
Estudillo House has been designated a Registered National
Historic Landmark under the provisions of the Historic Sites Act of August 21, 1935. This site possesses exceptional value in commemorating or illustrating the history of the United States.
U.S. Department of the Interior - National Park Service - 1970 (Marker Number 53.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Hispanic Americans • Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the California Historical Landmarks, and the National Historic Landmarks series lists. A significant historical year for this entry is 1935.
Location. 32° 45.252′ N, 117° 11.815′ 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 Mason Street. Located in Old Town San Diego State Historic Park. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: 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 Mexicos Alta California.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: La Casa de Estudillo (a few steps from this marker); First San Diego Courthouse (within shouting distance of this marker); Kearney Trail (within shouting distance of this marker); La Casa de Rodriguez (within shouting distance of this marker);
this page online
Regarding Estudillo House. Construction of the most famous Old Town adobe began in 1827 and was completed in 1829 by Captain Jose Maria de Estudillo, commander of the San Diego presidio. When he died in 1830, the house passed to his son, Jose Antonio Estudillo, who served as revenue collector, treasurer, alcalde, and judge of San Diego under Mexican rule and later treasurer and assessor of San Diego County under American rule. He married Maria Victoria Dominguez and their family lived there until 1887. The original adobe home was restored in 1910 with funds provided by the Spreckels family, under the direction of Architect Hazel Waterman; it was donated to the State by Mr. Legler Benbough; furnishings were provided with the assistance of the National Society of Colonial Dames of America. For many years, the building was mistakenly known as "Ramona's
Photographed by Syd Whittle, November 28, 2005
2. Estudillo House Marker
Source: San Diego Historical Society, Old Town San Diego, Casa de Estudillo
National Historic Landmark Statement of Significance: Constructed in 1827-29, this was once considered one of the finest houses in Mexican-California. This typical example of a large Spanish-Mexican one-story town house has a hall that also served as a chapel and a school from the 1830s to 1856. Don Jose Antonio Estudillo, builder of the house, served as mayor and justice of the peace for San Diego.
This site is California Historical Landmark No. 53:
Three generations of Don Josι Marνa Estudillo's family made their home in Casa de Estudillo. Rich in historical background, the casa is often pointed out, erroneously, as Ramona's marriage place.
Also see . . . San Diego History: Journal of San Diego History - Una Casa del Pueblo. (Submitted on September 26, 2008, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona.)
Photographed by Craig Baker, March 9, 2026
3. Estudillo House Marker
Photographed by Craig Baker, March 9, 2026
4. Estudillo House and Marker
Photographed by Syd Whittle, November 28, 2005
5. Courtyard of the Casa de Estudillo
Photographed by Syd Whittle, November 28, 2005
6. Estudillo House Bell Tower
courtesy La Casa de Estudillo Tour Brochure
7. Estudillo House Site Map
B.O.O.T.S., Old Town San Diego SHP, San Diego Hist. Society Archives
8. Casa de Estudillo in 1872
This historic adobe dominated the Old Town Plaza throughtout the 19th century.
Photographed by Western Publishing & Novelty Co., Los Angeles, Ca
9. Estudillo House at Old Town, San Diego, California
Where Ramona signed the marriage register. This quaint old ruin has been fully restored and is now the only Spanish Grande's home in the United States. The Patio is a magnificent flower garden, and its tiled floors and roofs, hide-bound rafters and adobe walls charm the many tourists who visit daily. The collections of paintings is a century old and the rooms contain many curios.
Credits. This page was last revised on May 6, 2026. It was originally submitted on September 26, 2008, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. This page has been viewed 3,133 times since then and 43 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on March 9, 2026, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. 2. submitted on September 26, 2008, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. 3, 4. submitted on March 9, 2026, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. 5, 6, 7. submitted on September 26, 2008, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. 8. submitted on October 27, 2008, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. 9. submitted on September 26, 2008, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona.
