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

Old Town San Diego

Photographed by Michael Kindig, March 1, 2002

1. Old Town San Diego Marker

Inscription. Settled by pensioned soldiers from the presidio and their families, Old Town grew into a cluster of adobe houses and garden plots in the early 1800s. By 1835, "it was composed of about 40 dark brown looking huts." The Stars and Stripes were first raised over the plaza in 1846 by Marines from the U.S.S. "Cyane."

Erected 1969 by State Department of Parks and Recreation in cooperation with Local Civic and Historical Organizations. (Marker Number 830.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the California Historical Landmarks series list.

Location. 32° 45.302′ N, 117° 11.865′ W. Marker is in San Diego, California, in San Diego County. It is in Old Town. It is on Wallace Street near Calhoun Street, on the right when traveling north. Located in Old Town San Diego State Historic Park. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 4016 Wallace Street, 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: El Pico Dining Room (here, next to this marker); First Raising of U.S. Flag (within shouting distance of this marker); La Casa de Machado y Wrightington (within shouting distance

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of this marker); La Casa de Machado y Silvas (within shouting distance of this marker); La Casa de Alvarado (within shouting distance of this marker); La Casa de Pico (within shouting distance of this marker); La Casa de Rodriguez (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Kearney Trail (about 300 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in San Diego.

Photographed by Craig Baker, March 9, 2026

2. Old Town San Diego Marker

At the Barra Barra restaurant/bar.

Old Town Diorama image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Michael Kindig, May 23, 2009

3. Old Town Diorama

Photographed by Michael Kindig, May 23, 2009

4. Old Town Diorama

Photographed by Michael Kindig, May 23, 2009

5. Old Town Diorama

Old Town San Diego image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Michael Kindig, October 12, 2002

6. Old Town San Diego

Photographed by Michael Kindig, August 4, 2007

7. Old Town San Diego

Old Town San Diego signs image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Craig Baker, March 9, 2026

8. Old Town San Diego signs

Credits. This page was last revised on March 31, 2026. It was originally submitted on December 29, 2011, by Michael Kindig of Elk Grove, California. This page has been viewed 1,096 times since then and 54 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on December 30, 2011, by Michael Kindig of Elk Grove, California. 2. submitted on March 9, 2026, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. 3, 4, 5, 6, 7. submitted on January 4, 2012, by Michael Kindig of Elk Grove, California. 8. submitted on March 31, 2026, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.