Old Town San Diego State Historic Park
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Old Town San Diego Historic District | |
|---|---|
| U.S. National Register of Historic Places | |
| U.S. Historic District | |
 View of Old Town
|
|
  |
|
| Location: | San Diego, California |
| Coordinates: | 32°45′16.77″N 117°11′50.42″W / 32.7546583°N 117.1973389°W |
| Area: | 29.08 acres |
| Built/Founded: | 1825 |
| Architect: | Multiple |
| Architectural style(s): | Colonial, Other |
| Governing body: | California State Parks |
| Added to NRHP: | September 03, 1971 |
| NRHP Reference#: | 71000182 |
Old Town San Diego State Historic Park, located in San Diego, California, is a state protected historical park in San Diego. The park preserves and recreates the old town of the city, from shortly after the Mexican War of Independence during its pueblo Alta California period beginning in 1821, through the Bear Flag Revolt, the American period, and ending in 1872, 22 years after statehood. Between 2005 and 2006, California State Parks listed Old Town San Diego as the most visited state park in California.
On September 03, 1971, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places as Old Town San Diego Historic District.
Contents |
[edit] Facilities
Five original adobes are part of the complex, which includes shops, restaurants and museums. Other historic buildings include a schoolhouse, a blacksmith shop, San Diego's first newspaper office, a cigar and pipe store, houses and gardens, and a stable with a carriage collection. There are also stores, with local artisans demonstrating their craft.
[edit] Attractions
- Casa de Estudillo, a National Historic Landmark
- The Whaley House, a museum and historic landmark, believed by some to be haunted
- The 1889 building of Temple Beth Israel, one of the oldest synagogues buildings in the United States. Open to tourists, it is used for exhibitions and is available for weddings and other occasions.
- Living history demonstrations and free tours are regularly scheduled.
[edit] Dining
The Historic Park and surrounding area are a popular tourist destination, known especially for its Mexican restaurants. The state park itself hosts several eating establishments, with more in the city managed park that surrounds the area.
[edit] Transportation
The Old Town Transit Center serves the area with trolley, bus, Coaster, and occasional Amtrak service. There are free parking lots for the state park.
[edit] Recent Changes
Starting in 2005 the lease of the Mexican commercial corner in Old Town was managed by Plaza del Pasado in an attempt to connect its visitors with a better understanding and appreciation of life and commerce in San Diego as it was from 1821 to 1872. In spring 2009 management of several stores in Old Town located in the Mexican Commercial Corner changed hands. Historical interpretation is primarily carried out by park employees and volunteers, and the Mexican Commercial corner is host to several locally based small businesses and artists.
[edit] See also
[edit] References
- ^ "National Register Information System". National Register of Historic Places. National Park Service. 2007-01-23. http://www.nr.nps.gov/.
[edit] External links
- Old Town Information Hotels, Maps, Weather and Activities
- Official site
- San Diego Historical Society: Old Town San Diego State Historic Park - full list of sights and museums
- The San Diego Union Tribune Casa de Reyes: A Familiar Taste of Old Town
- San Diego Metropolitan Magazine Historic Accuracy Highlights The Newest Old Town Menus
|
||||||||||
