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

The Mormon Battalion at San Diego

Photographed by Syd Whittle, March 18, 2006

1. The Mormon Battalion at San Diego Marker

Inscription. On arriving at San Diego on January 29, 1847, soldiers of the Mormon Battalion occupied Fort Stockton on this site. They promptly began to improve this community, digging the first wells, creating the first pumps to draw water, building the first kiln in California, and used the brick to surface sidewalks, face wells, and buildings. They taught irrigation and built the first blacksmith shop and bakery. When orders came for them to leave, the citizens drew up a petition signed by every adult resident requesting the Governor to use his influence to keep the Battalion in San Diego. Fairness and hard work earned the men of the Mormon Battalion the admiration and respect of all with whom they had contact.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Settlements & Settlers • War, Mexican-American. In addition, it is included in the Mormon Battalion series list. A significant historical month for this entry is January 1896.

Location. 32° 45.432′ N, 117° 11.648′ W. Marker is in San Diego, California, in San Diego County. It is in Old Town. It can be reached from Presidio Drive. Marker is located at the top of the hill west of Presidio Drive in Presidio 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 Mexico’s Alta California.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are

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within walking distance of this marker: Services of the Mormon Battalion (here, next to this marker); The 500 Volunteer Soldiers of the Mormon Battalion (here, next to this marker); Mormon Battalion (here, next to this marker); Fort Stockton (a few steps from this marker); Women of the Mormon Battalion (a few steps from this marker); The Old Presidio Historic Trail (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); a different marker also named The Old Presidio Historic Trail (about 700 feet away); Sylvester Pattie (about 700 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in San Diego.

Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker. To better understand the relationship, study each marker in the order shown.

Also see . . . The Mormon Battalion. (Submitted on December 16, 2008, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona.)

Photographed by Syd Whittle, March 18, 2006

2. The Mormon Battalion at San Diego Marker

Photographed by Bill Kirchner, March 30, 2015

3. The Mormon Battalion at San Diego Marker

The Mormon Battalion at San Diego Marker is just below the statue, at center of photo.

The Mormon Battalion Monument image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Syd Whittle, March 18, 2006

4. The Mormon Battalion Monument

Located near the marker

Mormon Battalion Memorial image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Michael Kindig, March 1, 2002

5. Mormon Battalion Memorial

Credits. This page was last revised on October 28, 2024. It was originally submitted on December 16, 2008, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. This page has been viewed 2,886 times since then and 48 times this year. Last updated on April 22, 2022, by James King of San Miguel, California. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on December 16, 2008, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. 3. submitted on April 8, 2015, by Bill Kirchner of Tucson, Arizona. 4. submitted on December 16, 2008, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. 5. submitted on January 27, 2012, by Michael Kindig of Elk Grove, California. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.