The first floor of this building has a colorful tenant history. The Goodwill Bar operated from 1906 to 1945. In 1945, Mike McIntosh and Sam Dini purchased the business. They were responsible for the "McDini" corned beef sandwhich of local fame. In . . . — — Map (db m52682) HM
The Little Italy Landmark Sign was dedicated and lit at the 7th Annual Little Italy Festa on the evening of October 8, 2000. The landmark sign was constructed as a tribute to this immigrant neighborhood which, until the late 1960s, was the hub of . . . — — Map (db m207223) HM
Lloyd T. Lowrey was a parks designer and landscape architect. he was a designer of the Blue Ridge Parkway, which connects the Shenandoah National Park in Virginia to the great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina, and Director of San . . . — — Map (db m51787) HM
To a store in San Diego's Little Italy, Vincent DePhilippis (1903 - 1957) and Madeleine Manfredi (1904 -1993) brought their version of the American Dream.
Vincent was born in New York and raised in Naples, Italy. Madeleine was born and raised . . . — — Map (db m109345) HM
This building began as two businesses - Cundell's Meat Market and Omaha Fruit & Vegetable Market in 1918. Cundell's Meat Market remained until 1931. The other storefront was a variety of businesses over the years including Grenawalt Grocers, . . . — — Map (db m203697) HM
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 . . . — — Map (db m77092) HM
First public schoolhouse in this county. Erected at this site in 1865 and known as “Mason Street School – District No.1” when San Diego County covered an area larger than three New England states. Restored by popular subscription . . . — — Map (db m149193) HM
The Mercantile Building is an extension of the Ingersoll-Tutton building to the north. This is evident in its matching architectural beauty. This structure housed several retail and service-oriented businesses, including A.M. Ingersoll’s ice cream . . . — — Map (db m51952) HM
Has been designated a
National
Historic Landmark
This site possesses national significance
in commemorating the history of the
United States of America
— — Map (db m145282) HM
After many attempts dated back to 1774 to provide a reliable source of water for crops and livestock for Mission San Diego de Alcala, a dam and flume system was finished between 1813 and 1816 by Indian laborers and Franciscan Missionaries to divert . . . — — Map (db m51074) HM
On Sunday, July 16, 1769 Fathers Junipero Serra, Juan Viscaino and Fernando Parron raised and blessed a cross to establish Alta, California’s 1st Mission. Relocated from Presidio Hill to this site in August 1774 the Mission was the mother of those . . . — — Map (db m15262) HM
John J. Montgomery made mans
first controlled winged flight
from this hilltop in August 1883.
He opened for all mankind the "great highway of the sky" — — Map (db m51097) HM
This one-story building with 12-inch-thick walls was used as John Young's morgue from 1881 to 1885. John Young was the County Coroner, and claimed embalming to be his specialty. The basement vault was surrounded by ropes used to lower caskets into . . . — — Map (db m109363) HM
Moreton Bay Fig
(Ficus Macrophylla native to Australia)
In 1904 the House of Representative legislated protection of this tree. Requested by President Theodore Roosevelt after a visit of the area.
This tree is now over 200 years old. — — Map (db m70319) HM
No. 7
Dedicated
in commemoration
the heroic sacrifice and
history-making achievements
of the
Mormon Battalion
"whose march over 2000 miles
from Council Bluffs, Iowa to San Diego
help to win California for the Union
and open a . . . — — Map (db m51992) HM
On December 7, 1846, day following Battle of San Pasqual fought five miles east of here, General Stephen Kearny’s command while marching on San Diego was attacked by Californians. The Americans counter-attacked, occupied hill until December 11 when . . . — — Map (db m40829) HM
Completed in 1942, The North Chapel Building featured leaded glass windows representing the 41 different training schools on site and one window representing the recruit. As the recruits at the Naval Training Center practiced many different . . . — — Map (db m50742) HM
D.C. Collier bought the land and then built Ocean Beach Elementary which opened in 1909 as a 2-room school for students grades one through eight. One room housed the administration office while the other served as the classroom and auditorium. The . . . — — Map (db m202360) HM
Originally named San Diego Fishing Pier, the Ocean Beach Municipal Pier was built in 1966. The OB Pier is the longest concrete pier on the west coast, extending 1,971 feet with a T-shape platform at the end of the pier adding 360 feet to the south . . . — — Map (db m147233) HM
Dedicated to all veterans living or dead who have served in the armed forces of the United Sates of America and shared a portion of their lives to preserve the honor and integrity of this great nation — — Map (db m203688) WM
Established Aug. 1, 1890, Ballast Point Light Station was a fine example of “railroad Gothic” and lasted until 1866, when it was replaced by a light on top of a slender steel tower, and new quarters were built for the Coast Guard personnel who . . . — — Map (db m238819) HM
From 1915 to 1970, San Diego Fire Department's Original Fire Station 6 proudly served the community of Little Italy. In the workshop on this site some of America's most significant fire service innovations were created by the specialty trade-skilled . . . — — Map (db m109341) HM
From 1770 to 1870, this was San Diego's port. Over the Brookline hide house, Americans unofficially raised a U.S. flag in 1829. At that time La Playa was a thriving trading and shipping village. Richard Henry Dana's account of the hide . . . — — Map (db m51077) HM
This lighthouse built in 1854, was one of the first eight lighthouses on the Pacific Coast. It continued in use until 1891, when the new Pelican Point Lighthouse began operating. The Point Loma Lighthouse became the site of the Cabrillo National . . . — — Map (db m36602) HM
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 . . . — — Map (db m51101) HM
The stone pilings seen in this archaeological excavation unit are part of the original foundation of the Casa de Aguirre built circa 1853. The original adobe mansion extended ten feet to the east of where the current building ends. The 21st century . . . — — Map (db m71058) HM
This building has been the home to several hotels beginning with the Midland in 1914. Later it was known as the New York, Seery, and finally Pacifica. In the 1930’s, it catered to San Diego’s military personnel. From 1917 to 1928, part of the . . . — — Map (db m52426) HM
The Pioneer Truck Company was the first occupant of this building owned by Roscoe Hazard and Elwyn Gould. It was used as a furniture and van storage warehouse. In order to avoid extra handling the San Diego & Arizona Santa Fe Railroad spur tracks . . . — — Map (db m191981) HM
In commemoration of the early aviation pioneers that flew American designed and manufactured sailplanes in San Diego. These aviators are remembered by those who flew after them and the citizens of San Diego.
John C. Barstow •
William Beuby . . . — — Map (db m156384) HM
The old lighthouse you are approaching protected sailors off the San Diego Coast for 36 years, from 1855 to 1891. It was a lonely outpost on a barren headland. In January 2004, the National Park Service completed restoration of the grounds of the . . . — — Map (db m157422) HM
San Diego's first lighthouse guided ships along the coast and marked the entrance to the harbor for over 30 years. A captain reported seeing the light from as far as 39 miles (63km). For many years it was the highest coastal light in the country — . . . — — Map (db m157361) HM
Holding true to its name, the Produce Market building has been the home to various produce companies. One of its more notable proprietors was the Nason Sales Company. They were the first company to import bananas into San Diego directly from . . . — — Map (db m191978) HM
In 1930, this Spanish Colonial Revival style structure was built in the heart of Chinatown for Thomas A. Quin. The top portion had two apartments, and the bottom floor was a combination storefront and storage space. Seven years after its . . . — — Map (db m52687) HM
The Quong Building is not only an historical structure, it has also been the site of archeological digs. The building gets its name from Mow Yuen Quong, a business man who operated the structure from 1889 to 1928. The building has been listed in . . . — — Map (db m52948) HM
Originally known as the San Diego Steam Cracker Factory, this brick structure has remained a bakery since its construction in 1884. During the first part of the 20th century, when the Gaslamp was deteriorating into a red-light district, the upper . . . — — Map (db m109361) HM
An army supply depot for Southern California was established on this site in 1850. Designated New San Diego Post, it was garrisoned by troops from December 2, 1858 to May, 1866. Reoccupied December 1869. Name changed to San Diego Barracks April 5, . . . — — Map (db m51094) HM
One of the world’s finest natural harbors plays host above and below the surface
Homeport to America’s Finest City
One of the most beautiful and exemplary natural harbors in the world, San Diego Bay is steeped in rich maritime heritage . . . — — Map (db m73905) HM
Philip Morse, 1845-1932, Started the first major lumber yard in San Diego at this site in 1884 with financing from Dolbeer and Carson's Mill at Eureka, CA. This location served a large pier where sailing, and later steam, vessels unloaded great . . . — — Map (db m141057) HM
Soldiers, sailors, Indians, and Franciscan missionaries from New Spain occupied the land at Presidio Hill on May 17, 1769 as a military outpost. Two months later, Fr. Junípero Serra established the first San Diego Mission on Presidio Hill. . . . — — Map (db m11134) HM
In 1960 the state legislature authorized the California State colleges to grant honorary doctoral degrees to individuals who have made unusual contributions toward learning and civilization. On June 6, 1963 San Diego State College was the first of . . . — — Map (db m51099) HM
When war was declared in 1941, the city's civilian population exploded by more than 50,000 as workers streamed into the city. Transportation and housing facilities were soon overwhelmed. Trailers crowded once-empty land on the outskirts of the city. . . . — — Map (db m109695) HM
As military installations were closed due to post-World War II reductions, the Navy concentrated its West Coast operations in San Diego. During the Cold War, the area became a major training center for supplying men, ships, and aircraft to the . . . — — Map (db m109696) HM
In 1907, President Theodore Roosevelt sent America's battleships, called the Great White Fleet, on a world cruise. Dispatched largely as a goodwill gesture to Japan, the Fleet was scheduled to make San Francisco its first U.S. stop.
Led by . . . — — Map (db m114833) HM
Over the next four days the city's reception committee, headed by William Kettner, who would one day become the region's representative in the U.S. Congress, welcomed the men of the Fleet with an endless series of balls, guided tours, dinners, teas, . . . — — Map (db m114841) HM
Six weeks after the arrival of the USS California in San Diego Harbor, aviation pioneer Glenn Curtiss established a flying school in an inlet just across the bay to your left where you are standing. There he trained Lieutenant Theodore Ellyson and . . . — — Map (db m122905) HM
In November 29, 1924, the Navy’s first aircraft carrier, the USS Langley, tied up to the pier at the naval air station at North Island. A converted coal transport, she had a flight deck 500 feet in length and could carry more than 30 aircraft.
By . . . — — Map (db m123044) HM
Traditionally the earliest planted tree in California. Directly in the rear, beneath the brow of the hill, lie the dead of the sacred expedition of 1769. Burial place of our first unknown soldiers. — — Map (db m11959) HM
The historic march of the Mormon Battalion -- -- More than 2000 miles through the wilderness -- -- was made in fulfillment of official U.S. orders. Brigham Young, Prophet – Leader of the Mormons, personally recruited these troops. The . . . — — Map (db m51990) HM
This solid brick building was once four-stories high with a basement. The first floor was for retail, while the upper floors were for offices and lodging. Unfortunately, the upper floors had to be removed, because the structure was weakened when the . . . — — Map (db m51731) HM
This three-story brick structure consists of a composition roof with an eighteen-inch parapet on top. It was constructed in close conjunction with the nearly identical building next to it. The first floor has been used for stores, consisting of a . . . — — Map (db m191969) HM
Near this point, sea and land parties of the Portola-Serra Expedition met. Two ships, the San Antonio and San Carlos, anchored on May 4-5, 1769. The scurvy-weakened survivors of the voyage established a camp, where on May 14 and July 1 they greeted . . . — — Map (db m51104) HM
This is the largest outdoor Organ in the World, as of 2016. It was built by the Austin Organ Company of Hartford, Connecticut and is capable of playing the full range of Organ masterworks. Installed in Balboa Park for the 1915 Panama-California . . . — — Map (db m209018) HM
Now dwarfed by the city’s modern skyscrapers, the ten-story St. James was once the tallest building in San Diego. In 1914, the San Diego Union extolled it as “first class in every respect, with excellent service.” The hotel featured 146 . . . — — Map (db m51793) HM
He laid the foundation of the National Park Service defining and establishing the policies under which its areas shall be developed and conserved unimpaired for future generations. There will never come and end to the good that he has done. — — Map (db m84892) HM
Numerous and complicated transfers are recorded since 1867 when Alonzo Horton first sold this lot for $150. In 1889, half of the building was leased to Ramona Wolf whose name was probably used by Helen Hunt Jackson for the novel Ramona, the somewhat . . . — — Map (db m191976) HM
This pair of large stone lions made of granite from Mount Tai, which is considered the holiest mountain in China, has been placed in front of SDCHM and Extension. The stone lions are a gift to the city of San Diego from the Founding Executive . . . — — Map (db m203746)
This pair of large stone lions made of granite from Mount Tai, which is considered the holiest mountain in China, has been placed in front of SDCHM and Extension. The stone lions are a gift to the city of San Diego from the Founding Executive . . . — — Map (db m203748)
This local theater of Ocean Beach catered to children and grownups alike: the children enjoyed serial matinees every Saturday, always trying to guess the next cliffhanger; grownups enjoyed Saturday nights with a new movie billed every week.
. . . — — Map (db m212937) HM
Leader of the first party of Americans into Alta California over southern trails
Arrived at San Diego Presidio
March 27, 1828
An officer in the War of 1812
Born in Kentucky August 25, 1782
Died near this spot April 24, 1828
First . . . — — Map (db m51997) HM
In the midst of preparations for their exodus to the Valley of the Great Salt Lake, the Mormon pioneers were asked by the United States government to enlist a battalion of 500 volunteers for service in the war with Mexico. These troops started from . . . — — Map (db m51991) HM
The Balboa Park Club was designed as the New Mexico State Building by Colorado architect Isaac Hamon Rapp for the 1915 Panam California Exposition. Inspired by the 300-year-old San Esteban del Rey mission church at Acoma Pueblo, it featured a Pueblo . . . — — Map (db m209027) HM
The trail begins 0.3 mile beyond this point and winds along an old military defense road. A unique plant community-coastal sage scrub-covers the steep slopes.
As you hike, be alert to the changing topography and its effect on the vegetation. . . . — — Map (db m192106) HM
The Botanical Building is widely acclaimed as the most photo- graphed spot in San Diego. Alfred D. Robinson, a founder and President of the San Diego Floral Society, suggested the construction of a lath house for the 1915 Panama California . . . — — Map (db m209497) HM
With its arched corner entrance, bay window, and corbelled brick cornice, this building reflects the originality of the architects Hebbard and Gill. Gill, the principle designer, had a preference for natural forms, over the highly ornate European . . . — — Map (db m109351) HM
The Campanario is 46 feet high and holds the Mission bells. The crown-topped bell on the lower right is named Ava Maria Purisima – Immaculate Mary. It weighs 805 pounds and was cast in 1802. A crown-topped bell was usually supplied by the . . . — — Map (db m14523) HM
The first theatre to be built with the new building ordinance for fire safety. It had two doors near the stage for fire escape and a five-foot-wide exterior passage on both sides and the rear for the protection of other buildings in case of fire. . . . — — Map (db m203194) HM
The church is 150 feet long, 35 feet wide and 29 feet high. The church is long and narrow and because the width of the building was determined by the height of the trees available for beams. Windows were built high for protection and to prevent the . . . — — Map (db m14517) HM
On March 31, 1933, President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed into law an act creating the Emergency Conservation Work Program, better known as the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC). This program became one of the most popular and successful of . . . — — Map (db m192107) HM
To commemorate the discovery of California by Juan Rodriquez Cabrillo who landed on the shores of San Diego Bay September 28, 1542. — — Map (db m126875) HM
With the vision of universal freedom for all mankind, this tree is dedicated to the hostages in Iran, taken captive 11–4–79, released January 20, 1981. — — Map (db m77075) HM
Rafael Mamudes was a native of Hermosillo and led an adventurous life. He was once a baker and followed his trade to Monterey. He also mined at Calaveras County and made a sea voyage to Guaymas, Mexico. When he came here to San Diego, he supported . . . — — Map (db m12664) HM
Since ancient times, lighthouses have been integral to the development of maritime commerce around the globe. With each voyage, mariners staked their cargoes and, indeed, their very lives on these lights. The story of lighthouses in the United . . . — — Map (db m157458) HM
1915 - 1955
In Balboa Park the year 1915, San Diego opened its Panama-California Exposition. Designed to call attention to San Diego and bolster the economy, the Exposition highlighted archaeological and anthropological displays as well as . . . — — Map (db m209206) HM
Known as the Lewis Brick Block, the upper floors were referred to as the Stingaree Hotel in reference to the area's red-light district. The main floor was used for a cigar and tobacco shop, billiard hall and revival center. This Victorian building . . . — — Map (db m109353) HM
On Sunday, May 5, 1918, 13 lives were lost here, including 11 soldiers and sailors stationed at Camp Kearny North Island and Point Loma. The rip currents were caused by unusual conditions of tides near the entrance to Mission Bay. Police Lifeguard . . . — — Map (db m212933) HM
This four-story, steel-framed building features distincitive architectural treatment. Conveyed through a red clay tile roof and decorative white glazed ceramic tile on the facade. It was used initially as a wine business on the first floor with a . . . — — Map (db m109352) HM
On arriving at San Diego on January 29, 1847, soldiers of the Mormon Battalion occupied Fort Stockton on this site. They promptly began to improve this community, digging the first wells, creating the first pumps to draw water, building the first . . . — — Map (db m196145) HM
This structure has been used as a hotel for the bulk of its history. Beginning in 1906, it has been known as the Hotel Van Dorne, the Hotel De Luxe, and the New York Hotel. The first floor has contained several business including a coffee and tea . . . — — Map (db m191977) HM
Soldiers carefully guarded this harbor during World Wars I (1917-1918) and II (1914-1945). As part of the night patrol, two or three soldiers operated a searchlight hidden behind this door. The five-foot diameter light was 8000 million . . . — — Map (db m205478) HM
Did You Know?
On a trail close to this one, soldiers and families walked down from the Spanish presidio two centuries ago to tend their gardens and livestock. Around 1820, some families started to build houses beside their gardens and "Old . . . — — Map (db m194306) HM
Did you know?
At the end of the trail you will discover:
*The site where California's first mission began in 1769.
*The ruins of the first European settlement on the west coast of the U.S. and Canada.
*A museum which celebrates . . . — — Map (db m194307) HM
Built by Thomas Whaley in 1856-57, this is the oldest brick structure in Southern California. In addition to being the home of the Whaley Family, it served variously as granary, store, courthouse and school, and as the town’s first theater. Whaley’s . . . — — Map (db m11645) HM
Up these steps and about 200 feet away lies a World War II bunker. Soldiers spent thousands of hours there, watching for an attack that never came.
Four soldiers operated this "base-end-observation station," working 12- or 24-hour shifts. . . . — — Map (db m205209) HM
This area of San Diego known as Tierrasanta, once was part of Camp Elliott. It was a 13,000 acre Marine Corps Training Camp used during World War II by the Second Marine Division for artillery and tank training in addition to other specialist . . . — — Map (db m220044) HM
Henry Timkin invented the roller bearing for the horse-drawn carriage, and was one of San Diego’s leading real estate investors. In 1894 he built this building at the cost of $7,200. It is most notable for the top brick overhang and the large . . . — — Map (db m51547) HM
During World War II, 600 fishing vessels were taken by the Navy, Army, and Coast Guard, including 52 “Tuna Clippers”.
On Pearl Harbor Day, the U.S. canned tuna industry was located almost exclusively in Southern California, and . . . — — Map (db m52350) HM
West face:
[Seals of the Department of the Navy: U.S. Navy and U.S. Marine Corps]
“The air fleet of an enemy will never get within striking distance of our coast as long as our aircraft carriers are able to carry . . . — — Map (db m61543) HM WM
This 2/3 scale model of a destroyer escort (TDE-1) helped instruct as many as 50,000 naval recruits annually in basic naval procedure. Commissioned 27 July 1949, the Recruit was the Navy’s only commissioned ship never to reach water. The . . . — — Map (db m50829) HM
[Panel 1]:
Eternal God who alone spreads out the heavens and rules the raging seas, may this memorial bring continued remembrance to the one hundred and thirty seven men who died defending their country in time of danger, and whose . . . — — Map (db m8480) HM
Inscribed here are the names of 525 men who died in the Battle of Leyte Gulf during the liberation of the Philippine Islands on 25 Oct 1944. Their ships, the destroyers USS Johnston (DD-557) and USS Hoel (DD-533) and destroyer escort USS Samuel B. . . . — — Map (db m8428) HM
Panel 1:
USS San Diego (CL-53)
Light Cruiser
Crew: 756 Officers and Men
Battle Record
Guadalcanal to Tokyo Bay 1942 to 1945
34 Enemy Engagements – 18 Battle Stars
Steamed 312,000 NM
Second most decorated . . . — — Map (db m52197) HM
Dedicated July 4, 1994
Veterans of Foreign Wars -
Military Order of World Wars
Rancho Bernardo Post 7766 -
Gen. J.P. Holland Chapter
Major Abraham J. Baum DSC Commander
Major Russell Whipple Commander
Design and Sculpture . . . — — Map (db m73832) WM
Samuel Morse and his partner Alfred Vail tested the first forty-mile telegraph line, between Washington and Baltimore, on May 24 1844. In most accounts, a young woman provided the first message they sent:
What Hath God Wrought
The . . . — — Map (db m182843) HM
The Davis house is the oldest surviving structure from San Diego's New Town. It is an example of a prefabricated, "salt-box" style home. Built on the East Coast, shipped around Cape Horn, and assembled in San Diego, The Davis House originally stood . . . — — Map (db m51791) HM
[Marker located on Front of Base:]
Mormon women were anxious to reach the glorious West and any means offered seemed an answer to prayer to help them on their way. When it was learned four laundresses would be allowed each of the five . . . — — Map (db m241388) HM