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

William Penn Hotel

1920

— Gaslamp Quarter —

William Penn Hotel Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Douglass Halvorsen, July 5, 2025

1. William Penn Hotel Marker

Inscription. Before its name was changed in 1930 to the William Penn, this hotel was called the Oxford. In 1914, it was touted as “the only first class hotel in the hub of the amusement and shopping district.” It offered its visitors over 100 outside rooms with views of San Diego. The lower floor of the hotel housed several businesses, such as drug stores, jewelry stores, pawn shops, and restaurants. (Marker Number 43.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Industry & Commerce. In addition, it is included in the San Diego - Gaslamp Quarter series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1930.

Location. 32° 42.81′ N, 117° 9.592′ W. Marker is in San Diego, California, in San Diego County. It is in the Gaslamp Quarter. It is at the intersection of F Street and Fifth Avenue, on the left when traveling west on F Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 511 F Street, 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: Marston Block, 1881 (a few steps from this marker); The Loring Building, 1873 (within shouting distance of this marker); The Fritz Building, 1873 (within shouting distance of this marker); Mercantile Building, 1894 (within shouting distance of this marker); Pierce-Field Building (within shouting distance of this marker); The Hubbell Building (within shouting distance

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of this marker); George Hill Building, 1897 (within shouting distance of this marker); Pat’s Little Theater (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in San Diego.

Another marker is no longer nearby. Keating Building (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been confirmed missing).

William Penn Hotel and Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Douglass Halvorsen, July 5, 2025

2. William Penn Hotel and Marker

The marker is near the center of the building, facing F Street.

William Penn Hotel image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Douglass Halvorsen, July 5, 2025

3. William Penn Hotel

Credits. This page was last revised on July 31, 2025. It was originally submitted on July 28, 2025, by Douglass Halvorsen of Klamath Falls, Oregon. This page has been viewed 187 times since then and 76 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on July 28, 2025, by Douglass Halvorsen of Klamath Falls, Oregon. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.