Old Town in 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
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: 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° 45.278′ N, 117° 11.857′ W. Marker is in San Diego, California, in San Diego County. It is in Old Town. It 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.
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 Machado y Silvas (a few steps from this marker); La Casa de Machado y Wrightington (within shouting distance of this marker); La Casa de Rodriguez (within shouting distance of this marker); Old Town San Diego (within shouting distance of this marker); El Pico Dining Room
this page online
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
Photographed by Denise Boose, January 3, 2011
3. First Raising of U.S. Flag Marker
Photographed by Syd Whittle, November 28, 2005
4. Marker and Flagpole
The marker is in the distance at left.
Photographed by Wikipedia
5. Stephen Clegg Rowan
by Mathew Brady c. July 1862, Naval Historical Center.
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 March 9, 2026. It was originally submitted on October 27, 2008, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. This page has been viewed 2,855 times since then and 77 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 December 27, 2013, by Denise Boose of Tehachapi, California. 4. submitted on October 27, 2008, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. 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.
