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

James "Yankee Jim" Robinson

Last Man to be Hanged

Photographed by Craig Baker, March 9, 2026

1. James "Yankee Jim" Robinson Marker

Inscription.
On the 18th of September, 1852, James "Yankee Jim" Robinson was the last man to be hanged at this site after being convicted of grand larceny.

The simple gallows consisted of two posts, a horizontal beam, and a mule-drawn wagon. Catholic priests conducted the final ceremonies and Yankee Jim was allowed time to deliver a farewell speech to the crowd that had gathered. Undersheriff Crosthwaite gave the order, and a whip was applied to the mules, leaving Yankee Jim to hang.

Mr. Thomas Whaley, present during the execution, purchased this property shortly afterward. By all accounts, he built his brick home where the gallows originally stood.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Law Enforcement. A significant historical date for this entry is September 18, 1852.

Location. 32° 45.167′ N, 117° 11.673′ W. Marker is in San Diego, California, in San Diego County. It is in Old Town. It is on San Diego Avenue near Harney Street. Located on the side of Whaley House. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 2476 San Diego Ave, 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 within walking distance of this marker: The Whaley House (here, next to this marker); Old Town San Diego Timeline (a few steps from this marker); Verna House (a few steps from

Paid Advertisement

Click or scan to see
this page online

this marker); The Whaley House Courtroom (a few steps from this marker); Derby Dike (within shouting distance of this marker); Lt. George H. Derby (within shouting distance of this marker); Derby-Pendleton House (within shouting distance of this marker); Adobe Chapel of The Immaculate Conception (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line). Touch for a list and map of all markers in San Diego.

Photographed by Craig Baker, March 9, 2026

2. James "Yankee Jim" Robinson Marker

Photographed by Craig Baker, March 9, 2026

3. James "Yankee Jim" Robinson Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on March 31, 2026. It was originally submitted on March 31, 2026, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. This page has been viewed 36 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on March 31, 2026, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California.