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

A San Diego Milestone

Photographed by Adam Margolis, July 27, 2018

1. A San Diego Milestone Marker

Inscription. San Diego bay is a natural harbor. First sighted in 1542 by the Spanish explorer Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo, the bay was originally named San Miguel. Next visited in 1602, Sebastian Viscaino renamed the bay after a canonized priest, San Diego, from Alcala, Spain. Seldom visited for the next 150 years, Father Junipero Serra came overland from Mexico and founded the first California mission in San Diego (Old Town) in 1769. The mission grew and officially became an American town in 1846.

The bay was too shallow for ships to come close in, so passengers were taken to shore by rowboat to the water's edge and then carried to dry land on the backs of sailors or Indians. Then they were taken by wagon to town...a few miles north to Old Town. In 1867, Alonzo E. Horton first came to San Diego and was immediately convinced that "the town should be down by the wharf."

Erected by San Diego Walk of Fame / Horton Walk.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Colonial Era • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical year for this entry is 1542.

Location. 32° 42.891′ N, 117° 9.736′ W. Marker is in San

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Diego, California, in San Diego County. It is in the Gaslamp Quarter. It can be reached from the intersection of Broadway Circle and Horton Plaza, on the left when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: San Diego CA 92101, 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: Alonzo E. Horton (a few steps from this marker); Pete Wilson (within shouting distance of this marker); Balboa Theatre (within shouting distance of this marker); US Grant Hotel (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Lawyer's Block Building (about 400 feet away); Panama Cafe (about 500 feet away); Chinese Consolidated Benevolent Assoc., 1911 (about 500 feet away); Exchange Club (about

Photographed by Adam Margolis, July 27, 2018

2. A San Diego Milestone Marker

The marker is flush with the ground, near the planters in the background.

500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in San Diego.

Credits. This page was last revised on February 15, 2022. It was originally submitted on February 13, 2022, by Adam Margolis of Mission Viejo, California. This page has been viewed 325 times since then and 16 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on February 13, 2022, by Adam Margolis of Mission Viejo, California. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.