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

Estudillo House

Photographed By Syd Whittle, November 28, 2005

1. Estudillo House Marker

Statement of Significance (as of designation - April 15, 1970): Constructed in 1827-29, this was once considered one of the finest houses in Mexican-California. This typical example of a large Spanish-Mexican one-story town house has a hall that also served as a chapel and a school from the 1830s to 1856. Don Jose Antonio Estudillo, builder of the house, served as mayor and justice of the peace for San Diego.

Inscription. Estudillo House
has been designated a
Registered National
Historic Landmark
under the provisions of the
Historic Sites Act of August 21, 1935
This site possesses exceptional value
in commemorating or illustrating
the history of the United States

Erected 1970 by U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service. (Marker Number 53.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Arts, Letters, Music • Hispanic Americans • Parks & Recreational Areas • Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the California Historical Landmarks, and the National Historic Landmarks series lists. A significant historical year for this entry is 1935.

Location. 32° 45.252′ N, 117° 11.815′ W. Marker is in San Diego, California, in San Diego County. Marker can be reached from the intersection of San Diego Avenue and Mason Street. Marker is located within Old Town San Diego State Historic Park. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: San Diego CA 92110, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. La Casa de Estudillo (a few steps from this marker); First Raising of U.S. Flag (within shouting distance of this marker); First San Diego Courthouse

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(within shouting distance of this marker); La Casa de Rodriguez (within shouting distance of this marker); Juan Bandini (within shouting distance of this marker); Casa de Pedrorena de Altamirano (within shouting distance of this marker); Mason Street School (within shouting distance of this marker); Birthplace of the San Diego Union (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line). Touch for a list and map of all markers in San Diego.

More about this marker. This site is a California Registered Historical Landmark (No.53):
Three generations of Don José María Estudillo's family made their home in Casa de Estudillo. Rich in historical background, the casa is often pointed out, erroneously, as Ramona's marriage place.

Regarding Estudillo House. Construction of the most famous Old Town adobe began in 1827 and was completed in 1829 by Captain Jose Maria de Estudillo, commander of the San Diego presidio. When he died in 1830, the house passed to his son, Jose Antonio Estudillo, who served as revenue collector, treasurer, alcalde, and judge of San Diego under Mexican rule

Estudillo House and Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Syd Whittle, November 28, 2005

2. Estudillo House and Marker

Marker is located in center of photo

and later treasurer and assessor of San Diego County under American rule. He married Maria Victoria Dominguez and their family lived there until 1887. The original adobe home was restored in 1910 with funds provided by the Spreckels family, under the direction of Architect Hazel Waterman; it was donated to the State by Mr. Legler Benbough; furnishings were provided with the assistance of the National Society of Colonial Dames of America. For many years, the building was mistakenly known as "Ramona's Marriage Place" from Helen Hunt Jackson's novel. The museum now features furnished rooms and a working kitchen and large courtyard.
Source: San Diego Historical Society, Old Town San Diego, Casa de Estudillo

Also see . . . San Diego History: Journal of San Diego History - Una Casa del Pueblo. (Submitted on September 26, 2008, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona.)

Courtyard of the Casa de Estudillo image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Syd Whittle, November 28, 2005

3. Courtyard of the Casa de Estudillo

Estudillo House image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Syd Whittle, November 28, 2005

4. Estudillo House

Estudillo House Site Map image. Click for full size.

Photographed By La Casa de Estudillo Tour Brochure

5. Estudillo House Site Map

Casa de Estudillo in 1872 image. Click for full size.

B.O.O.T.S., Old Town San Diego SHP, San Diego Hist. Society Archives

6. Casa de Estudillo in 1872

This historic adobe dominated the Old Town Plaza throughtout the 19th century.

Estudillo House at Old Town, San Diego, California image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Western Publishing & Novelty Co., Los Angeles, Ca

7. Estudillo House at Old Town, San Diego, California

Where Ramona signed the marriage register. This quaint old ruin has been fully restored and is now the only Spanish Grande's home in the United States. The Patio is a magnificent flower garden, and its tiled floors and roofs, hide-bound rafters and adobe walls charm the many tourists who visit daily. The collections of paintings is a century old and the rooms contain many curios.

State Park Passport Stamp image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Michael Kindig, August 11, 2007

8. State Park Passport Stamp

Estudillo House Bell Tower

Credits. This page was last revised on November 7, 2019. It was originally submitted on September 26, 2008, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. This page has been viewed 2,679 times since then and 50 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on September 26, 2008, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. 6. submitted on October 27, 2008, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. 7. submitted on September 26, 2008, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. 8. submitted on December 23, 2011, by Michael Kindig of Elk Grove, California.