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

First Raising of U.S. Flag

Plaza San Diego Viejo

Photographed By Allen C. Browne, May 31, 2015

1. First Raising of U.S. Flag Marker

Inscription. Click to hear the inscription.

On this site the United States Flag was first raised in Southern California by Lt. Stephen C. Rowan U.S.N., Commanding Sailors and Marines July 29, 1846. (Marker Number 63.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Exploration • Patriots & Patriotism • Settlements & Settlers • War, Mexican-American. In addition, it is included in the California Historical Landmarks series list. A significant historical date for this entry is July 29, 1945.

Location. 32° 45.265′ N, 117° 11.818′ W. Marker is in San Diego, California, in San Diego County. Marker can be reached from Mason Street north of San Diego Avenue, on the left when traveling north. Marker is located at Old Town Plaza (Washington Square) within the boundaries of Old Town San Diego State Historic Park. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 4000 Mason Street, San Diego CA 92110, United States of America. Touch for directions.

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); Estudillo House (within shouting distance of this marker); First San Diego Courthouse (within shouting distance

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of this marker); La Casa de Rodriguez (within shouting distance of this marker); Juan Bandini (within shouting distance of this marker); Casa de Pedrorena de Altamirano (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Mason Street School (about 300 feet away); Birthplace of the San Diego Union (about 300 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in San Diego.

Regarding First Raising of U.S. Flag. This site has been designated as California Registered Historical Landmark No. 63, Plaza San Diego Viejo:
This plaza was established as the center of the Mexican Pueblo of San Diego which elected its first ayuntamiento in 1834. On July 29, 1846, at 4 p.m., Lieutenant Stephen C. Rowan, U.S.N., from the U.S. sloop-of-war Cyane, raised the American flag over the plaza.

Photographed By Michael Kindig

2. First Raising of U.S. Flag Marker

First Raising of U.S. Flag Marker and Flagpole image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Syd Whittle, November 28, 2005

3. First Raising of U.S. Flag Marker and Flagpole

Photographed By Denise Boose, January 3, 2011

4. First Raising of U.S. Flag Marker

Stephen Clegg Rowan image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Wikipedia

5. Stephen Clegg Rowan

by Mathew Brady c. July 1862, Naval Historical Center.

Flag Pole in Front of the Cosmopolitan Hotel image. Click for full size.

B.O.O.T.S., Old Town San Diego SHP, San Diego Hist. Society Archives

6. Flag Pole in Front of the Cosmopolitan Hotel

See nearby marker Juan Bandini for additional information.

Credits. This page was last revised on February 22, 2020. It was originally submitted on October 27, 2008, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. This page has been viewed 2,022 times since then and 228 times this year. Last updated on February 20, 2020, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. Photos: 1. submitted on August 17, 2019, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland. 2. submitted on December 30, 2011, by Michael Kindig of Elk Grove, California. 3. submitted on October 27, 2008, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. 4. submitted on December 27, 2013, by Denise Boose of Tehachapi, California. 5. submitted on August 17, 2019, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland. 6. submitted on October 27, 2008, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.