Old Town in San Diego in San Diego County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
Derby-Pendleton House
Photographed by Craig Baker, March 9, 2026
1. Derby-Pendleton House Marker
Originally erected in New Town (Downtown) San Diego, the two-story Derby-Pendleton building was a prefabricated house that was one of a dozen shipped from Maine in the 1850s. A year later the house would move from Downtown to nearby Old Town. There, the house would become the home of early California humorist Lt. George Horatio Derby and later serve as the home and office for San Diego County Clerk George Allen Pendleton. In 1962, the building was moved onto the Whaley House Museum Grounds as it stood in the pathway of a proposed freeway project, now Interstate 5. Today, the historic Derby-Pendleton remains an important symbol of San Diego's early growth and is a nod to the City's history surviving in the future.
Erected by Historic Tours of America.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Settlements & Settlers.
Location. 32° 45.186′ N, 117° 11.668′ W. Marker is in San Diego, California, in San Diego County. It is in Old Town. It is on Harney Street near San Diego Avenue. Touch for map. Marker is at or
this page online
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: Lt. George H. Derby (a few steps from this marker); Derby Dike (a few steps from this marker); The Whaley House Courtroom (within shouting distance of this marker); James "Yankee Jim" Robinson (within shouting distance of this marker); The Whaley House (within shouting distance of this marker); Old Town San Diego Timeline (within shouting distance of this marker); Verna House (within shouting distance of this marker); Adobe Construction (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. Derby-Pendleton House and 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 21 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on March 31, 2026, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California.
