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

Marston Block, 1881

Photographed by Dean Whittle, January 18, 2012

1. Marston Block, 1881 Marker

Inscription. In 1881, George Marston located his third department store in this two-story Victorian Italian-style building. It remained here until 1896 when it was relocated to a larger building. Until the 1970s, Marston’s was the largest and most successful San Diego based department store, and was purchased by Broadway Stores. The building suffered severe fire damage in 1903, and had to undergo extensive remodeling. The first gaslamp was placed on the corner in 1885, and on March 16, 1886, the first electric arc lamp was illuminated outside this building.

Erected by Gaslamp Quarter. (Marker Number 35.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Notable Buildings. In addition, it is included in the San Diego - Gaslamp Quarter series list. A significant historical month for this entry is March 1852.

Location. 32° 42.82′ N, 117° 9.6′ W. Marker is in San Diego, California, in San Diego County. It is in the Gaslamp Quarter. It can be reached from the intersection of F Street and 5th Avenue. Marker and building are located on the northeast corner. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 503 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: William Penn Hotel (a few steps from this marker); Mercantile Building, 1894

Paid Advertisement

Click or scan to see
this page online

(within shouting distance of this marker); The Hubbell Building (within shouting distance of this marker); The Loring Building, 1873 (within shouting distance of this marker); Nesmith-Greely Building (within shouting distance of this marker); The Fritz Building, 1873 (within shouting distance of this marker); Ingersoll-Tutton Building, 1894 (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 a few steps from this marker but has been confirmed missing).

Marston Block Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Dean Whittle, January 18, 2012

2. Marston Block Marker

The Corner of F and 5th Streets image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Dean Whittle, January 18, 2012

3. The Corner of F and 5th Streets

The Marston Block Building on the right and the Keating Building on the left.

4. The Corner of F and 5th Streets

The same view from the early 20th Century.

Marston Block Building image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Dean Whittle, January 18, 2012

5. Marston Block Building

Credits. This page was last revised on October 28, 2024. It was originally submitted on January 20, 2012, by Dean Whittle of San Diego, California. This page has been viewed 879 times since then and 25 times this year. Last updated on September 13, 2014, by Larry Gilbert of San Diego, California. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on January 20, 2012, by Dean Whittle of San Diego, California. 3. submitted on January 19, 2012, by Dean Whittle of San Diego, California. 4. submitted on January 19, 2012, by Maja Tajima of San Diego, California. 5. submitted on January 20, 2012, by Dean Whittle of San Diego, California. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.