#0049 Adobe Chapel of the Immaculate Conception
Plaque information: State plaque
Plaque text: Adobe Chapel of the Immaculate Conception Originally built as the home of San Diego's John Brown in 1850, the house was converted to a church by Don Jose Aguirre in 1858. Father Antonio D. Ubach, formerly a missionary among the Indians, was parish priest here from 1866 to 1907. It is said that he was the model for "Father Gaspar" in Helen Hunt Jackson's Ramona. In 1937 the WPA rebuilt the adobe chapel close to its original site. Originally registered Dec. 6, 1932. Plaque placed by the State Department of Parks and Recreation in cooperation with the City of San Diego, San Diego County Historical Days Ass'n and Squibob Chapter, E Clampus Vitus, September 24, 1988.
#0050 Ballast Point Whaling Station Site
Site information: End of Rosecrans St, Point Loma, San Diego Only military personnel are allowed on base, although there are certain events that allow limited civilian access. Nothing remains of this site, as far as I know. 32.68374,-117.236685
Plaque text: Ballast Point Whaling Station Site Late in 1857, the three Johnson brothers and the twin Packard brothers came to this site to survey possibilities for a station to 'try out' or extract whale oil. Their operations began the next year. In 1869 the U.S. Government acquired the property for Fort Rosecrans and in 1873 whaling operations at Ballast Point ended. Originally registered December 6, 1932. Plaque placed by the State Department of Parks and Recreation in cooperation with the U.S. Department of the Navy, Fort Guijarros Museum Foundation, and Squibob Chapter, E Clampus Vitus March 22, 1967.
#0051 Old Point Loma Lighthouse
Site information: End of Cabrillo Monument Dr, Point Loma, San Diego Cabrillo National Monument has limited operating hours and a fee to enter. 32.672637,-117.240764
Plaque text: Old Point Loma Lighthouse 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 Monument in 1913. During World War II the Navy used it as a signal tower. Restored by the National Park Service in 1984, it remains as a reminder of contribution of 19th century lighthouse keepers and their families to California's maritime past. Originally registered December 6, 1932. Plaque placed by the State Department of Parks and Recreation in cooperation with the National Park Service and Squibob Chapter, E Clampus Vitus April 16, 1988
Site information: N side of Fr. Junipero Serra Trail in Mission Trails Regional Park near NE entrance, San Diego Fr. Junipero Serra Trail is closed to vehicle traffic, so a short walk is necessary to get to the dam. 32.839493,-117.043139
Plaque information: State plaque is located at the parking lot trailhead. Private plaque at dam site. 32.839654,-117.041818
State plaque text: Mission Dam and Flume 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 waters of the San Diego River for a distance of 6 miles. The aqueduct system continued in existence until 1831 when constant flooding caused the dam and flume to fall into disrepair. They were not repaired due to secularization of the missions. First registered Dec. 6, 1932. Plaque placed by the State Department of Parks and Recreation in cooperation with Mission Trails Regional Park, City of San Diego, and Squibob Chapter, E Clampus Vitus May 2 1992 Private plaque text: Old Mission Dam Built 1813-1816 A part of the first permanent irrigation project by padres and Indians in California. Marker placed by the San Diego Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution. May 17th, 1941
Site information: Mason St, between San Diego Ave and Calhoun St, Old Town, San Diego 32.7542,-117.196928
Plaque information: Private plaque (National Historic Landmark plaque)
Plaque text: Estudillo House Has been designated a Registered National Historic Landmark Under the provisions of the historic sites act of August 21, 1955. This site possesses exceptional value in commemorating or illustrating the history of the United States U.S. Department of the Interior National Park Service 1970
OHP description: Three generations of Don Jose Maria 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.
Site information: At top of hill, intersection of Presidio and Cosoy, San Diego 32.7574,-117.194121
Plaque text: Fort Stockton Fortified briefly by Carlos Carrillo in 1838, this site became Fort Dupont (July - November 1846) after American forces took Old Town during the Mexican War, retaken and held briefly by the Californios, if fell once more to the Americans, who renamed it Fort Stockton and used it as campaign headquarters for ending the Californio revolt in early 1847. The Mormon battalion stayed here later that year. The post was abandoned on September 25, 1848. California registered historical landmark No. 54 First registered December 6, 1932. Plaque placed by the State Department of Parks and Recreation in cooperation with the San Diego City Department of Parks and Recreation and Squibob Chapter, E Clampus Vitus, August 3, 1991.
#0055 Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery
Site information: Cabrillo Memorial Drive, Point Loma, San Diego Plaque and cemetery grounds accessible during operating hours. Much of cemetery is visible from outside the gates. Plaque may be partially visible from outside gates. 32.6888,-117.245228
Plaque text: Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery A burial ground before 1847, this graveyard became an Army post cemetery in the 1860s. It is the final resting place for most who fell at San Pasqual in 1846, and for the USS Bennington victims of 1905. It became Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery in 1934 and was placed under the Veterans Administration National Cemetery System in 1973. Over 50,000 who served the U.S. honorably in war and peace lie here. First registered Dec. 6, 1932. Plaque placed by the State Department of Parks and Recreation in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and Squibob Chapter, E Clampus Vitus May 28, 1990
Site information: End of Rosecrans St, Point Loma, San Diego Only military personnel are allowed on base, although there are certain events that allow limited civilian access. Nothing remains of this site, as far as I know. 32.683647,-117.236728
Plaque text: Cabrillo Landing Site Seeking the mythical Strait of Anian (the Northwest Passage) for Spain, on September 28, 1542, Iberian navigator Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo brought his three ships to Ballast Point, the first European landing on the coast of Alta California. First registered December 6, 1932. Plaque placed by the State Department of Parks and Recreation in cooperation with the U.S. Department of the Navy and Squibob Chapter, E Clampus Vitus. September 26, 1992
Site information: SE Corner of Harbor Dr and Pacific Hwy, San Diego Nothing remains of this site, as far as I know. Photos 2 & 3 show the plaque before the corner was refurbished. The plaque is still there, just a few yards further south on Pacific Hwy. 32.711082,-117.170859
Plaque text: La Punta de los Muertos (Dead Men's Point) Burial site of sailors and marines in 1782 when San Diego Bay was surveyed & charted by Don Juan Pantoja Y Arriaga, pilot, and Don Jose Tovar, mate, of the royal frigates "La Princesa" and "La Favorita" under command of Don Augustin de Echeverria. Marker placed by San Diego County Board of Supervisors and the Historical Markers Committee. Erected 1954
Plaque text: San Diego Presidio Site 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. Junipero Serra established the first San Diego mission on Presidio Hill. Officially proclaimed a Spanish presidio on January 1, 1774, the fortress was later occupied by a succession of Mexican forces. The presidio was abandoned in 1837 after San Diego became a pueblo. California Registered Historical Landmark No. 59 First registered Dec. 6, 1932. Plaque placed by the State Department of Parks and Recreation in cooperation with the San Diego Department of Parks and Recreation and Squibob Chapter, E Clampus Vitus, August 8, 1992.
Plaque text: Casa de Lopez Built by Juan Francisco Lopez, one of San Diego's early Spanish settlers, the casa larga, or long house, was among the first substantial houses built in the pueblo of San Diego. About 1836, it was the home of Juan Matias Moreno, secretary to Pio Pico, California's last Mexican governor. Plaque erected by California State Park Commission
Site information: Rosecrans St, at entrance to base, Point Loma, San Diego Plaque and site are located at the entrance to Point Loma Naval Base. Civilians are not welcome to walk up and take pictures. However, there may be a city bus route that travels onto the base. If you do not have military ID, you are required to exit the bus and wait at the entrance to the base until it returns. The place they ask you to wait may be directly in front of the plaque. 32.704627,-117.238947
Plaque information: State and private plaques
State plaque text: Old La Playa 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 business in Two Years Before the Mast is based on his hide-droghing experience here in 1835-36. The U.S. Navy later acquired the site and operated a coaling station and a quarantine station here. It is now a Navy research center. First registered December 6, 1932. Plaque placed by the State Department of Parks and Recreation in cooperation with the U.S. Department of the Navy and Squibob Chapter, E Clampus Vitus, April 3, 1989 Private plaque text: One of the oldest commercial routes in the far West under Spain, Mexico and the United States. The trail connected mission San Diego with the fort at La Playa from 1770 to 1870. Originally marked, 1934, this new ox cart plaque was placed by the U.S. Department of the Navy, in cooperation with the San Diego Historical Society and Squibob Chapter, E Clampus Vitus, April 3, 1989
Site information: End of Rosecrans St, Point Loma, San Diego Only military personnel are allowed on base, although there are certain events that allow limited civilian access. Nothing remains of this site, as far as I know. 32.683615,-117.236763
Plaque text: Fort Rosecrans President Millard Fillmore's executive order of 1852 created a U.S. Preserve on Point Loma. From 1870 to 1873 the coast artillery corpsmen evicted whalers from the site in order to begin the military installation. In 1899 it was named for William S. Rosecrans, Civil War general and California congressman. Major fortifications were constructed in 1891-1903 and 1941-1943. Transferred to the U.S. Navy in 1957, it became a submarine support facility. First registered December 6, 1932. Plaque placed by the State Department of Parks and Recreation in cooperation with the U.S. Department of the Navy and Squibob Chapter, E Clampus Vitus, March 21, 1993
#0063 Plaza, San Diego Viejo (Washington Square)
Site information: Old Town Plaza, San Diego (bordered by Mason and San Diego and Calhoun) 32.75465,-117.19757
Plaque information: Private plaque
Plaque text: On this spot the United States flag was first raised in Southern California by Lt. Stephen C. Rowan U.S.N. commanding sailors and marines. July 29, 1846
OHP description: This plaza was established as the center of the Mexican Pueblo of San Diego which elected its first ajuntamiento in 1834. On July 29, 1846, at 4 p.m., Lieutenant Stephen C. Rowan, U.S.N., from the U.S. Sloop-of-War Cyane, raised the American flag over the plaza.
#0064 "Old Landing," Site of El Desembarcadero
Site information: Farragut Rd, between Rosecrans and Truxtun, Point Loma, San Diego 32.734279,-117.219928
Plaque text: El Desembarcadero A landing near this point was used on May 1, 1769, by men from the San Antonio and San Carlos to bring fresh water from the San Diego River close by to the anchorage in the bay. For almost a century the landing and the channel were used by freight and passenger boats between Old Town and points on the bay. Romance was added to the site when Josepha Carrillo and Henry Delano Fitch eloped for Chile from the landing on April 16, 1829. Silt from the river overflows limited use on the Old Landing later in the century, though high tides went to Rosecrans street until 1923. During construction of the Naval Training Station ("Center" after 1944) the site and channel were buried by nine feet of fill. First registered December 6, 1932. Plaque placed by the State Department of Parks and Recreation in cooperation with the U.S. Navy and Squibob Chapter, E Clampus Vitus, January 20, 1994
OHP description: El Desembarcadero was one of the first landmarks designated during the first year of the landmark program. The site was recognized as the landing place for small boats carrying freight and passengers to Old San Diego. It was also believed to be the place visited in 1769 by the crews of the San Antonio and San Carlos in their search for fresh water.
Plaque text: The Whaley House 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, court-house and school and as the town's first theater. Whaley's home was the cultural center of San Diego as well as its most luxurious residence. Marker placed by the San Diego County Board of Supervisors and the Historical Markers Committee. Erected 1959.
Site information: S side of 2734 Calhoun St, Old Town, San Diego Nothing remains of this site, as far as I know. The location in the photo is approximate. 32.754687,-117.196994
Plaque information: No plaque
OHP description: This building was originally a two-story public house built by George Dewitt Clinton Washington Robinson about 1867. From this building one of the last survivors of the pony express rode north.
Site information: On Taylor St, just N of Presidio Dr, San Diego Nothing remains of the original palm. 32.759424,-117.196172
Plaque text: 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 first unknown soldiers. Marker placed by California Centennials Commission in cooperation with San Diego Historical Markers Committee, Dedicated September 2, 1950 Plaque addendum: The last dying Serra Palm was cut down on June 6, 1957. The marker was preserved by Archie and Margaret O'Neal, and rededicated by Squibob Chapter, E Clampus Vitus, on December 6, 1980. San Diego People for Trees on July 16, 1995 dedicated these date palms (Phoenix Dactylifera) to commemorate the 1769 planting of the Serra Palms.
OHP description: Site of the palm planted in 1769 by Padre Junipero Serra when he arrived at San Diego. Here the four divisions of the Portola Expedition met on July 1, 1769. The famous 'El Camino Real,' most celebrated trail in California, begins here.
Plaque text: El Campo Santo (The Holy Field) El Campo Santo once included the adobe chapel on Conde Street, in which were buried Jose Antonio Aguirre, Maria Victoria Dominguez Estudillo and Cave Johnson Couts, distinguished early San Diegans. Between 1849 and 1897, 477 persons were buried in these grounds. Antonio Garra was the most eminent of many Native Americans interred here. A number of graves were relocated after 1874. A street railway bisected the cemetery in 1894. The wall around this portion was built in 1933. Restoration has continued to the present. First registered December 6, 1932. Plaque placed by the State Department of Parks and Recreation in cooperation with the San Diego City Department of Parks and Recreation and Squibob Chapter, E Clampus Vitus, August 6, 1994.
Site information: End of Rosecrans St, Point Loma, San Diego Only military personnel are allowed on base, although there are certain events that allow limited civilian access. 32.683559,-117.236861
Plaque text: Fort Guijarros Site An outpost of Spain's far-flung empire at its greatest extent, this fort was completed before 1800 from plans drawn by Alberto de Cordoba in 1795. Its major action came under Corporal Jose Velasquez on March 22, 1803, in the 'Battle of San Diego Bay' with the American Brig Lelia Byrd, which was smuggling sea otter pelts. Plaque placed by the State Department of Parks and Recreation in cooperation with the U.S. Department of the Navy, Casa de Espana, San Diego Cannoneers, San Diego Archeological Society, and Squibob Chapter E Clampus Vitus, March 22, 1981.
Plaque text: Casa de Pedrorena de Altamirano Miguel Pedrorena Jr. built this adobe structure in 1869. It was the final adobe built in Old Town. In January 1871 Pedrorena gave the building to his sister Isabel de Altamirano, joining together two pioneer California families. Isabel and her husband Jose Antonio Altamirano raised their large family in this home. Isabel's father, Miguel Pedrorena, was a prominent merchant in Mexican California, and represented the San Diego area at the California State Constitutional Convention held in 1849. Jose Antonio Altamirano was born in La Paz, Lower California in 1835, but came to San Diego in 1849 to explore the mining possibilities of the area. He also engaged in stock raising ventures on both sides of the border.
OHP description: This was the home of Miguel de Pedrorena, who arrived in San Diego Viejo in 1838. Don Miguel was a member of the Constitutional Convention at Monterey in 1849.
Site information: 2734 Calhoun St, Old Town, San Diego (this is the address given by OHP - I believe the correct location is San Diego Ave, near Telegraph Way) 32.754633,-117.197954 There are four Casas with the name "Machado" attached to them in Old Town. One is the Casa de Machado y Stewart, which is landmark #73. It is somewhat unclear which of the other three Machado casas this landmark (#71) is intended for. However, all the information I have found indicates the Machado y Silvas home is the correct adobe, including the fact that the park sign indicates it was dedicated as a CHL in 1932. The address given by the OHP above is for a Juan Machado house (not Jose Manuel), and does not seem to be the correct one. I took photos of all of them. Photos 1-2 are of the Machado y Silvas casa, photos 3-4 are of the Machado y Worthington casa, and 5-7 are of the Casa de Machado site, which is now a restaurant. All sites are located on Old Town Plaza.
Plaque information: No plaque, but there are informational signs.
Sign text: 1843 Small adobe built by Machado family for daughter Maria Antonia and husband Jose Antonio Nacasio Silvas. 1854 Home enlarged and adapted for use as Commercial Restaurant; later renamed Antonia Restaurant. 1932 Listed as California Historical Landmark. 1942 Opened as Machado Memorial Chapel. 1975 Rehabilitated by California State Parks as house museum.
OHP description: This adobe house, constructed about 1832 by Jose Manuel Machado, pioneer leatherjacket soldier of the Spanish Army who arrived at San Diego Presidio about 1782, is now used as a community church.
Plaque text: Dedicated to Juan Bandini 1800-1859. Patriot and friend of the United States, by San Diego Chapter, D.A.R., and San Diego Chapter, S.A.R. march 26, 1960.
OHP description: This adobe house was constructed about 1827 by Jose and Juan Bandini. As headquarters of Commodore Robert F. Stockton in 1846, it was the place where Kit Carson and Edward Beale delivered their urgent message of December 9, 1846, calling for reinforcements to be rushed to the aid of General Kearny.
OHP description: Adobe house constructed by Jose Manuel Machado in 1830s for his daughter Rosa, wife of John C. Stewart. Stewart was a shipmate of Richard Henry Dana, Jr. who describes his 1859 visit to this house in Two Years Before the Mast.
Plaque information: State and private plaque
State plaque text: Casa de Carrillo Presidio Comandante Francisco Maria Ruiz built this house next to his 1808 pear garden lake in 1821 for his close relative and fellow soldier, Joaquin Carrillo, and his large family. From this adobe dwelling, in April 1829, daughter Josefa Carrillo eloped to Chile with Henry Delano Fitch. When Ruiz died in 1839 and Joaquin soon afterwards, son Ramon Carrillo sold this property to Lorenzo Soto. It was transferred several times before 1932, deteriorating gradually, until George Marston and associates restored the house and grounds and deeded them to the City of San Diego as a golf course. First registered December 6, 1932. Plaque placed by the State Department of Parks and Recreation in cooperation with the San Diego City Department of Parks and Recreation and Squibob Chapter, E Clampus Vitus, August 6, 1994. Private plaque text: A portion of la casa de Carrillo - Pear Garden House - A center of social life & romance in early Spanish days. Here lived Senorita Josefa Carrillo. One of the oldest adobe dwellings in San Diego - Built about the year 1810. Restored in October 1931
Site information: N corner of Congress and Twiggs, Old Town, San Diego Nothing remains of this site, as far as I know. 32.752726,-117.196485
Plaque information: No plaque, but there is a state sign
OHP description: This adobe is said to have been built about 1835 by Juan or Ramon Cota.
#0239 Mission San Luis Rey de Francia
Plaque information: There are two state plauqes for this site. One is right in front of the mission, at the coordinates above. The other is also on mission grounds, near the old lavanderia. 33.231031, -117.321381
Plaque text: Mission San Luis Rey de Francia Founded June 12, 1798 by Father Lasuen, then president of the California missions, and administered by Father Peyri, Mission San Luis Rey is notable for its impressive architecture-a composite of Spanish, Moorish, and Mexican. Department of Public Works - Division of Highways
#0242 Mission San Diego de Alcala
Plaque text: Mission San Diego De Alcala On Sunday, July 16, 1769, Fathers Junipero Serra, Juan Vizcaino, and Fernando Parron raised and blessed a cross to establish Alta California's first mission. Relocated from Presidio Hill to this site in August 1774, the mission was the Mother of those founded in California by the Franciscan Order. The present buildings, first completed in 1813, were rebuilt in stages from 1915 to 1931 after many years of deterioration. They have been in use as a parish church since February 1941. Originally registered June 10, 1936. Plaque placed by the State Department of Parks and Recreation in cooperation with the Diocese of San Diego and Squibob Chapter, E Clampus Vitus, Sunday, July 16, 1989.
#0243 Asistencia de San Antonio de Pala
Plaque text: La Asistencia de San Antonio de Pala Notable for its bell tower, or campanile, the chapel vas built by Father Peyri in 1816. Almost destroyed by earthquake and storm, it was later restored. Indians are still at Pala. Department of Public Works - Division of Highways
Site information: Along Taylor St, N of Presidio Dr, San Diego Nothing remains of this site, as far as I know. 32.759513,-117.196171
Plaque text: Derby Dike Until 1853 the erratic San Diego River dumped tons of debris into the harbor or poured into False Bay, now Mission Bay. At times it threatened to destroy Old Town San Diego. Lieutenant George Horatio Derby, U.S. Topographical Corps, built a dike that diverted the waters into False Bay. This was the first effort to tame the river, and one of the first U.S. Government projects in California. The river was not fully harnessed until the 1950s. First registered June 10, 1936. Plaque placed by the State Department of Parks and Recreation in cooperation with the San Diego Department of Parks and Recreation and Squibob Chapter, E Clampus Vitus, August 4, 1990.
#0304 Vallecito Stage Depot (Station)
Plaque information: Two state plaques exist for this site. One at the station site, and one at the intersection of S2 and the 78 (33.096806, -116.475404) There is also a private plaque located on the door of the stage station.
Site plaque text: Vallecito Stage Station A reconstruction (1934) of Vallecito Stage Station at the edge of the Great Colorado Desert. Original was built in 1852. Important stop on first official transcontinental route, serving the San Diego-San Antonio ('Jackass') mail line (1857-1859), the Butterfield Overland Stage Line and the southern route emigrant caravans. Marker placed by San Diego County Board of Supervisors and teh Historical Markers Committee. Erected 1956 Remote plaque text: Vallecito-Butterfield Stage Station One of the chief remaining landmarks of famous old stage line. Coaches and spring wagons carried passengers and mail. Stations were built at 20-mile intervals. The first stage on the line left St. Louis on September 15, 1858. Department of Public Works - Division of Highways Private plaque text: Vallecito Stage Station Dedicated to the memory of James E. Birch "The man who put an empire on wheels" founder and proprietor of the first official trans-continental overland mail stage line in the United States, the San Antonio - San Diego Overland Mail of 1857-1861 and those brave drivers who handeled the reins.
Plaque text: Warner's Ranch In 1844, Governor Manuel Micheltorena granted 44,322 acres to Juan Jose Warner, who built this house. General Kearny passed here in 1846, and the Mormon Battalion in 1847. The first Butterfield Stage stopped at this ranch on October 6, 1858, on its 2,600-mile, 24-day trip from Tipton, Missouri to San Francisco, the southern overland route into California. Marker placed by San Diego County Board of Supervisors and the Historical Markers Committee. Erected 1964.
#0369 Chapel of Santa Ysabel (Site of)
Site information: State Hwy 79, 1.5 mi N of Hwy 78 The original chapel no longer exists. New chapel built on same site. 33.130815,-116.677927
Plaque text: Santa Ysabel Asistencia Site The first mass at a site nearby was celebrated September 20, 1818 by Father Fernando Martin. By 1822, Santa Ysabel was an asistencia, or mission outpost, that had a chapel, a granary, several houses, a cemetery, and about 450 neophytes. After secularization in the 1830s, priestly visits became rare. When the roof caved in, after 1850, ramadas were erected against one wall and services were held there. Tradition asserts this site has been used for religious services since 1818. The present chapel was constructed in 1924. Originally registered April 30, 1940. Plaque placed by the State Department of Parks and Recreation in cooperation with the Roman Catholic Diocese of San Diego, Santa Ysabel Tribal Council, and Squibob Chapter, E Clampus Vitus, September 26, 1987.
State plaque text: Campo Stone Store The pioneer Gaskill brothers of 1868 built a frame store which was raided on December 4, 1875 by border bandits. This fort-like replacement of summer 1855 was bought in 1896 by E. T. Aiken, resold to Klauber Wangenheim, 1889, and operated by Henry Marcus Johnson as the Mountain Commercial Company until 1925. In disrepair, it was bought after 1938 by E. M. Statler, given to San Diego County, and restored, 1943-48, as a museum. Originally registered November 15, 1948. Plaque placed by the State Department of Parks and Recreation in cooperation with the San Diego County Department of Parks and Recreation the and Squibob Chapter, E Clampus Vitus, May 3, 1986. Private plaque text: Old Campo Store Dedicated to the Pioneers of San Diego County. Built in 1868 by L.H. and S.E. Gaskill. Historic Stone Store - Post Office, Bank and Stage Station. Scene of Famous Bandit Raid December 5, 1875 Donor - Ellsworth M. Statler. Restored by San Diego County Board of Supervisors 1943-48 California State Historical Association San Diego Historical Society Sons and Daughters of the Golden West May 9, 1948
Plaque information: State plaque and private plaque
State plaque text: Julian City March 1870 Following the discovery of gold nearby during the winter of 1869-70, this valley became the commercial and social center of a thriving mining district. Ex-Confederate soldier Drury D. Batley laid out the town on his farmland and named it for his cousin and fellow native of Georgia, Michael S. Julian. By 1906 most mines were unprofitable. Since then the area has become more famous for the variety and quality of its apple crop. Originally registered November 15, 1948. Plaque placed by the State Department of Parks and Recreation in cooperation with the Julian Chamber of Commerce and Squibob Chapter, E Clampus Vitus. September 27, 1986. Private plaque text: Julian Historic Gold Mining Town founded by Drury D. Bailey Feb. 1870 Dedicated by Native Sons & Daughters of the Golden West, San Diego Historical Society, San Diego Co. Board of Supervisors, 1948
#0425 La Cañada de los Coches Rancho
Plaque text: La Cañada de los Coches Rancho Commemorating Cañada de Los Coches Rancho, smallest Mexican grant in Calif. Granted in 1843 to Apolinaria Lorenzana by Governor Manuel Micheltorena. Site of old grist mill. Dedicated Aug. 29, 1948 by Cuyamaca Parlor Native Sons of the Golden West
Site information: The actual site of Mule Hill is this location: 33.063924,-117.060492 There isn't really anything there, but one can hike to the spot. The hill is viewable from the state plaque from a distance.
State Plaque text: Mule Hill On December 7, 1846, the day following the Battle of San Pasqual fought five miles east of here, General Stephen Kearny's command, on its way to San Diego, was again attacked by Californians. The Americans counterattacked and occupied this hill until December 11. Short of food, they ate mule meat and named the place 'Mule Hill.' Marker placed by California Centennials Commission. Base furnished by San Diego County Historical Markers Committee. Dedicated September 3, 1950. Private Plaque text: Mule Hill Standoff On December 6, 1846, California's bloodiest battle of the Mexican War took place at San Pasqual five miles east of here. On December 7, the American soldiers, sailors and volunteers under the command of Brigadier General Stephen Watts Kearny, were attacked from the rear by Mexican forces 250 yards northwest of this location. This compelled the Americans to withdraw to higher ground for cover, but fire still came from above. The Americans were able to drive their enemy from the hill directly in front of you, but for the next four days they were besieged by the valiant Mexican forces. The Mexican forces recruited for the defense of their homeland were led by Captain Andres Pico, younger brother of Pio Pico, a former Governor of California. The forces were primarily comprised of Californios, residents of California at that time who descended from Mexican and Spanish colonialists. These men, mostly ranchers and vaqueros, were excellent horsemen and very adept with their primary weapon, an 8-foot lance. The Mexican forces formed a cordon around the Americans on the hill. The Americans were short of food and resorted to eating their mules, hence the name "Mule Hill" for this site. Under the protection of two small cannons, the men dug shallow wells for water at the base of the hill near the road behind you. An exchange of one prisoner from each side took place. The exchanged American informed Kearny that no help was coming from San Diego. Navy Lieutenant Edward Beale volunteered to sneak through the Mexican lines to seek help from San Diego, and he asked that army scout Kit Carson go with him. On December 8, after the sun had set, Beale, Carson and a Native American (identity unknown to us) sneaked through three lines of Mexican sentries. In doing so they lost their footwear, and their feet were soon cut and sore from walking on sharp rocks and cactus. Nearing San Diego, they separated to better insure that one would get through any Mexican forces in that area. The Native American arrived in San Diego first, followed by Beale and then Carson. On December 9, with little food, water or supplies and with a number of wounded men, General Kearny made the decision to fight his way to San Diego. He ordered his troops to burn all excess baggage, including weapons and supplies. On December 10, Sergeant John Cox died and was buried at Mule Hill. Later his body was disinterred and reburied at Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery in a mass grave along with his comrades who had fallen at San Pasqual. Dr. John Griffen reported that all but two of the wounded were able to ride and Kearny decided to march out the next day. On December 11, in response to a sentry's early morning challenge, a reply came back in English. A relief column of 100 sailors and 80 marines, sent by Commodore Robert Stockton, had arrived. The Mexican force, now outnumbered, withdrew. Later that morning the Americans left Mule Hill and marched to what is now Old Town, San Diego, thus competing a 2,000 mile march from Fort Levenworth, Kansas.
Plaque text: Box Canyon The old road, known as the Sonora, Colorado River, or Southern Emigrant Trail and later as the Butterfield Overland Mail Route, traversed Box Canyon just east of here. On January 19, 1847, the Mormon Battalion under the command of Lieutenant Colonel Philip St. G. Cooke, using hand tools, hewed a passage through the rocky walls of the narrow gorge for their wagons and opened the first road into Southern California. Marker placed by San Diego County Board of Supervisors and the Historical Markers Committee. Erected 1955.
Site information: State Hwy 79, Oak Grove Nothing remains of this site, as far as I know. 33.388862,-116.793739
Plaque text: Camp Wright 1861-1866 First established October 18, 1861 on Warner's Ranch at "fork of the trail to San Diego", to guard the line of communication between California and Arizona. Moved to this site by Major Edwin A. Rigg, First California Volunteers, about November 23, 1861. Named for Brigadier General George Wright, United States Army, who commanded the Pacific Department and California District from 1861 to 1865. Abandoned December 1866. Marker placed by San Diego County Board of Supervisors and the Historical Markers Committee. Erected 1953
Site information: 2729 San Diego Ave, San Diego Nothing remains of the site, and there is no tablet that I know of, although the OHP description refers to one. ~32.75406,-117.197133
OHP description: This tablet marks the site of the Exchange Hotel. Here, on June 29,1851, Masons met for the first time in San Diego and organized the lodge which became San Diego Lodge No. 35, F. & A.M., the oldest lodge of Masons in Southern California.
Plaque text: Oak Grove Stage Station Occupied in 1858 by Warren Hall, division superintendent, Butterfield Overland Mail, which operated between San Francisco and the eastern termini, St. Louis and Memphis, from September 15, 1858 to March 2, 1861. The first mail stage from the east driven from Fort Yuma by Warren Hall and Jacob Bergman passed here October 6, 1858. Marker placed by San Diego County Board of Supervisors and the Historical Markers Committee. Erected 1953
OHP description: Oak Grove is one of the few remaining stations on the Butterfield Overland Mail route, which operated between San Francisco and two eastern terminals-St. Louis, Missouri and Memphis, Tennessee-from September 15, 1858 to March 2, 1861. During the Civil War the station was used as a hospital for nearby Camp Wright.
#0523 San Diego Barracks
Site information: N side of Harbor Dr, between Kettner Blvd and Pacific Hwy, San Diego 32.711678,-117.169989
Plaque text: San Diego Barracks 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, 1850 to May, 1866. Reoccupied December, 1869. Name changed to San Diego Barracks April 5, 1879. Abandoned December 15, 1921. Acquired by city of San Diego July 13, 1938. Marker placed by San Diego County Board of Supervisors and the Historical Markers Committee. Erected 1955
OHP description: New San Diego was established as a quartermaster depot by Captain Nathaniel Lyon, 2nd U.S. Infantry, in 1850-51 to supply military establishments in Southern California. The name of the post was changed from New San Diego to San Diego Barracks by General Orders No. 2, Military Division of the Pacific, San Francisco, April 5, 1879. San Diego Barracks continued to operate as a subpost of Fort Rosecrans until abandoned December 15, 1921.
#0533 San Pasqual Battlefield State Historic Park
Site information: 15808 San Pasqual Valley Rd, Escondido The state park location is shown here as the main museum building. 33.088838,-116.983627
Plaque information: State plaque is on park grounds, but in a fairly inconvenient place. 33.086355,-116.990497 Private plaque also exists.
State plaque text: San Pasqual Battlefield While marching to the conquest and occupation of California during the Mexican War, a detachment of 1st U.S. Dragoons under the command of Brigadier General Stephen W. Kearny was met on this site by native California lancers under the command of General Andres Pico. In this battle, fought on December 6, 1846, severe losses were incurred by the American forces. The native Californians withdrew after Kearny had rallied his men on the field. Gallant action on the part of both forces characterized the Battle of San Pasqual, one of the significant actions during the Mexican War of 1846-1848. Plaque placed by the California State Park Commission, December 6, 1962 Private plaque text: The State of California honors with this monument the American soldiers who, under the leadership of Brig.-Gen. Stephen W. Kearny, Captain Abraham R. Johnston, Captain Benjamin D. Moore, Edward F. Beale, U.S.N., and Kit Carson, the scout, gave their lives in the battles of San Pasqual between the Americans and the Mexicans, December 6-10, 1846. Captain Abraham R. Johnston Captain Benjamin D. Moore Lieutenant Thos. C. Hammond Sgt. John Cox Corp. Wm. C. West Pvt. Geo. Ashmead Pvt. Jos. T. Campbell Pvt. John Dunlop Pvt. Wm. Dalton Pvt. Wm. C. Lucky Pvt. Samuel T. Rapole Pvt. Jos. B. Kennedy 1st Sgt. Otis L. Moore Sgt. Wm. Whitness Corp. Geo. Ramsdale Pvt. David W. Johnson Pvt. Wm. C. Gholston Pvt. Wm. H. Fiel Pvt. Robt. S. Gregory Pvt. Henry Baker Pvt. Francis Menard This monument erected and dedicated in the year 1925.
#0538 First Publicly Owned School Building
Plaque text: Mason Street School 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 in 1955. Marker placed by San Diego County Board of Supervisors and the Historical Markers Committee. Erected 1955
Site information: Site and plaque in Camp Pendleton on San Mateo Dr, 0.4 mi N. of intersection with Christianitos Rd The actual site is shown in photos 1-4. Access to Camp Pendleton is limited, as it is an active marine base. There are legal ways civilians can gain access. 33.433306,-117.568945
Plaque information: Two state plaques exist, one at the site, and one in the parking lot of the Casa Romantica Cultural Center in San Clemente. 33.422239,-117.620414 Photos 5-7 show the second plaque in its current location. Photo 8 is the second plaque at its old location.
Site plaque text: La Christianita Near this spring, the first Christian baptism in Alta California was performed by Padre Francisco Gomez, a member of the Portola Expedition, in 1769. Plaque placed by the California State Park Commission in cooperation with San Diego County and United States Marine Corps, July 22, 1957. Remote plaque text: La Christianita Two miles inland from this point, in Los Christianitos Valley, the first Christian baptism in Alta California was performed by Padre Francisco Gomez, a member of the Portola Expedition, in 1769. Plaque placed by the California State Park Commission, in cooperation with Orange County, July 22, 1957.
Site information: Camp Pendleton, plaque located on hill 1,000 ft W of Boy Scouts Camp, located on Stuart Mesa Rd, near Las Pulgas Rd Site is on an active Marine base, and so has limited access. 33.299869,-117.460617
Plaque text: Las Flores (San Pedro) Asistencia From 1823 to the 1840s, the tile-roofed adobe chapel and hostel at Las Flores, built by Father Antonio Peyri, served as the asistencia to Mission San Luis Rey and provided comfort to travelers on El Camino Real. The adobe structure and adjacent corral were the site of the April 1838 battle between Juan Bautista Alvarado and Carlos Antonio Carrillo contesting the provincial governorship of Alta California. Plaque placed by the State Department of Parks and Recreation in cooperation with the U.S. Marine Corps and Squibob Chapter, E Clampus Vitus, September 17, 1983.
Site information: End of Memory Lane, Spring Valley Access to the site is restricted by hours of operation. 32.745687,-117.001935
Plaque information: State plaque incorrectly lists the site as #656.
Plaque text: Bancroft Ranch House Adobe built about 1863 by A. S. Ensworth. Home of Capt. Rufus K. Porter and family. Curved timbers brought from the Clarissa Andrews, famed coaling hulk formerly of the Pacific Mail Steamship Co. Historian Hubert Howe Bancroft later owned this estate and here wrote a part of his monumental History of California. Marker placed by San Diego County Board of Supervisors and the Historical Markers Committee. Erected 1958.
Site information: On Horse Camp Rd, which is a dirt road, but fairly easily accessible. About 3 mi. north of the paved road. 33.342725,-116.393978
Plaque text: The Anza Trail This route was opened by Captain Juan Bautista de Anza and Father Francisco Garces in 1774. Anza's expedition of 1775, a group of 240 soldiers and settlers coming from Sonora to found San Francisco, encamped near El Vado (The Ford) for three days and two nights, December 20-22, 1775. Plaque placed by the California State Park Commission in cooperation with the Kiwanis Club of Borrego Springs.
Plaque text: Los Puertocitos Juan Bautista de Anza's expedition marched through this little pass December 19, 1775 on its way to strengthen Spanish colonization in California. Many of the 240 members of the party were recruited from Mexico to be the first residents of San Francisco. They had camped the preceding night somewhere in the wide flats just east of this monument. Plaque placed by the California State Park Commission in cooperation with Cuyamaca Parlor No. 298, Native Sons of the Golden West, January 31, 1959.
Site information: North of Vallecito Creek Rd, 1.6 mi E of County Rd S2 (P.M. 43.1), Anza Borrego Desert State Park Access to the site includes some fairly sandy dirt roads. Use caution or walk. 32.91957,-116.218586
Plaque text: Palm Spring Here was a palm-studded desert resting place, 1826-1866, for Mexican pioneers, mountain men, the Army of the West, Mormon Battalion, boundary commission, forty-niners, railway survey, the Butterfield Overland Mail stages, and California Legion. It was the site of the Butterfield stage station built in 1858 by Warren F. Hall. Plaque placed by the California State Park Commission in cooperation with the Fremont-Kearny Historians of Old San Diego, October 6, 1958.
#0647 Butterfield Overland Mail Route
Site information: 0.5 mi E of County Rd S2 (P.M. 23.0), 5.8 mi S of State Hwy 78, Anza-Borrego Desert State Park Approach to the site includes a fairly easy dirt road, and then a short hike up a desert hill to get to the plaque. 33.03646,-116.403116
Plaque text: Butterfield Overland Mail Route This pass, Puerta, between the desert and the cooler valleys to the north, was used by the Mormon Battalion, Kearny's Army of the West, the Butterfield Overland Mail stages, and emigrants who eventually settled the West. The eroded scar on the left was the route of the Butterfield stages, 1858-1861. The road on the right served as a county road until recent years. Plaque placed by the California State Park Commission in cooperation with The Sierra Club of California, San Diego Chapter, October 6, 1958.
Site information: Borrego Sink area, 3 mi SE of Palm Canyon and Peg Leg Rds, Anza -Borrego Desert State Park We found this, but I really don't know how, especially since we did it without GPS. Roads are not marked, and are mostly trails. In the middle of nowhere. Beware of sandy portions of the road. GPS on map should be right. 33.222031,-116.270092
Plaque text: San Gregorio Somewhere in this narrow valley, perhaps on this very spot, the Anza Expeditions of 1774 and 1775 made their camps. Water for the 240 people and over 800 head of stock on the 1775 march was obtained from a series of wells, deeper than the height of a man, dug into the sandy bottom of the wash. Plaque placed by the California State Park Commission in cooperation with the Borrego Springs Chamber of Commerce, April 18, 1959.
Site information: Parking lot of Montgomery-Waller Park, NE corner of Coronado Ave and Beyer Blvd, South San Diego 32.578716,-117.068694
Plaque text: John J. Montgomery made man's first controlled winged flights from this hilltop in August 1883. He opened for all mankind the "Great highway of the sky." Erected by the San Diego Junior Chamber of Commerce Montgomery Memorial Committee. Constructed with the cooperation of the San Diego County Board of Supervisors. Dedicated May 21, 1950.
OHP description: At Otay Mesa, in 1883, John Joseph Montgomery made the first flight in a heavier-than-air craft 20 years before the Wrights. Montgomery made many more glider flights before accepting a professorship at Santa Clara College, where he continued his interest in aviation.
Site information: Henderson Canyon Rd, 1,000 ft N of Pegleg Rd, Anza-Borrego Desert State Park 33.296133,-116.298213
Plaque text: Peg Leg Smith Thomas L. Smith, better known as 'Peg Leg,' 1801-1866, was a mountain man, prospector, and spinner of tall tales. Legends regarding his lost gold mine have grown through the years. Countless people have searched the desert for its fabulous wealth. The gold mine possibly could be within a few miles of this monument. Plaque placed by the California State Park Commission in cooperation with the Borrego Springs Chamber of Commerce, October 9, 1960.
#0764 Site of the Kate O. Sessions Nursery
Site information: NW corner of Garnet Ave and Pico St, San Diego Nothing remains of this site, as far as I know. 32.80532,-117.22314
Plaque text: Kate Olivia Sessions' Nursery Site 1857-1940 This plaque commemorates the life and influence of a woman who envisioned San Diego beautiful. On this site she operated a nursery and gained world renown as a horticulturist, she was the first woman to receive the International Meyer Medal in genetics. Plaque placed by the California State Park Commission in cooperation with the Pacific Beach Woman's Club. July 7, 1961
#0784 El Camino Real - San Diego Terminus
Site information: Mission San Diego de Alcala, 10818 San Diego Mission Rd, San Diego Southern terminus of the road. 32.784497,-117.106441
Plaque text: El Camino Real This plaque is placed on the 250th anniversary of the birth of California's apostle, Padre Junipero Serra, OFM, to mark the southern terminus of El Camino Real as Padre Serra knew it and helped blaze it. 1713 - November 24 - 1963 Plaque placed by the California State Park Commission in cooperation with the Committee for El Camino Real December 29, 1963
Site information: 10 mi NW of Borrego Springs (4-wheel drive dirt rd), Anza-Borrego Desert State Park Continue on the dirt road past El Vado (#634). This road requires some serious 4-wheel drive ability, unless you get out and hike the road. This is quite possibly the most difficult of the landmarks to get to. Photo 3 shows a bit of the road you have to take. 33.372089,-116.440691
Plaque text: Santa Catarina This spring area was named by Captain Juan Bautista de Anza when his overland exploration party camped here on March 14, 1774, during the opening Anza Trail from Sonora into Alta California. Anza's colonizing expedition of 1775, consisting of 240 persons and over 800 head of livestock, camped here the night of December 23. Plaque placed by the California State Park Commission in cooperation with the Squibob Chapter, E Clampus Vitus, April 20, 1963.
#0793 San Felipe Valley and Stage Station
Site information: County Hwy S2 (P.M. 15.9), 0.9 mi NW of intersection of State Hwy 78 Nothing remains of this site, as far as I know. 33.101978,-116.48392
Plaque text: San Felipe Here the southern trail of explorers, trappers, soldiers, and emigrants crossed ancient trade routes of Kamia, Cahuilla, Diegueno, and Luiseno Indians. On the flat southwest across the creek, Warren F. Hall built and operated the San Felipe home station of the Butterfield Mail, which operated from 1858 to 1861. Later the station was used by Banning Stages and by the military during the Civil War. Plaque placed by the California State Park Commission in cooperation with the Squibob Chapter, No. 1853, E Clampus Vitus, April 19, 1964.
#0798 San Diego State College, Site of First Doctorate Degree Granted by the California State College System
Site information: San Diego State University, entrance to service area of Viejas Arena off Aztec Circle Dr 32.7749,-117.074532
Plaque text: San Diego State University 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 the California State Colleges to award the doctorate when it conferred a doctor of laws degree on John F. Kennedy, President of the United States. Plaque placed by the State Department of Parks and Recreation in cooperation with San Diego State University and Squibob Chapter, E Clampus Vitus, may 22, 1983. Plaque addendum: "No country can possibly move ahead, no free society can possibly be sustained, unless it has an educated citizenry..." John Fitzgerald Kennedy, June 6, 1963 Dedicated in memory of Tony Richard Aguirre by his brothers
#0818 First Military Flying School in America
Site information: Ocean Blvd, at entrance to Gate 5, Naval Air Station, North Island, Coronado I don't know if anything remains of the original school, but it seems unlikely. 32.688272,-117.192772
Plaque text: Site of First Military Flying School (U.S. Naval Air Station, North Island) The flat lands beyond have been a part of aviation history since Glenn Curtiss founded the first military flying school in America here on January 17, 1911. The Army operated Rockwell Field until January 31, 1939, the Navy commissioned the present air station on November 8, 1917. Plaque placed by the State Department of Parks and Recreation in cooperation with the City of Coronado. November 8, 1967
#0830 Old Town San Diego State Historic Park
Site information: 4016 Wallace St, Old Town, San Diego The landmark commemorates the whole park. This is the location of the plaque. 32.755108,-117.197681
Plaque text: Old Town State Historic Park 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 was first raised over the plaza in 1846 by Marines from the U.S.S. Cyane. Plaque placed by the State Department of Parks and Recreation in cooperation with the local civic and historical organizations, August 20, 1969
Plaque text: Hotel Del Coronado This Victorian hotel, built in 1887, is one of America's largest wooden buildings. Few seaside resort hotels of this significant architectural style remain in America. The hotel has hosted several Presidents and other national figures. Plaque placed by the State Department of Parks and Recreation in cooperation with the San Diego Historical Society, Coronado Historical Association Inc., and San Diego Chapter, American Institute of Architects, December 17, 1970.
Site information: County Rd S1 (P.M. 36), 1.7 mi SE of Hwy 79 Nothing remains of this site, as far as I know. 32.994389,-116.54239
Plaque text: Pedro Fages Trail On October 29, 1772, Colonel Pedro Fages headed east from San Diego searching for army deserters. It was the first entry by Europeans into Oriflamme Canyon. From there, Fages and his men travelled on through Cajon Pass, around the Mojave and the Central Valley, and eventually reached Mission San Luis Obispo. As a result, he discovered the Colorado Desert and the San Joaquin Valley. Plaque placed by the State Department of Parks and Recreation in cooperation with the San Diego Historical Society, Congress of History, and the Native Sons of the Golden West, March 18, 1973.
Site information: Spanish Landing Park, Harbor Dr, San Diego Nothing remains of this site, as far as I know. 32.728733,-117.207001
Plaque text: Spanish Landing 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 the overland parties from Baja California. Together, they began the Spanish occupation of Alta California. Plaque placed by the State Department of Parks and Recreation in cooperation with the San Diego Unified Port District and Squibob Chapter, E Clampus Vitus, May 8, 1976.
Site information: Rancho Guajome Regional Park, 2210 N Santa Fe Ave, Vista Visiting the adobe is subject to operating hours, and the site may be gated. 33.233202,-117.253688
Plaque text: Rancho Guajome Formerly attached to Mission San Luis Rey, the 2,219-acre ranch passed through brief ownership by two mission Indians, then Don Abel Stearns, and into possession of Ysidora Bandini upon marriage to Col. Cave Johnson Couts. The adobe ranch house, built in 1852-53, is one of the finest extant examples of the traditional Spanish-Mexican one-story hacienda with an inner-outer courtyard plan. It was acquired by San Diego County in 1973 for the Guajome Regional Park. Plaque placed by the State Department of Parks and Recreation in cooperation with the San Diego County Department of Parks and Recreation and Squibob Chapter, E Clampus Vitus, April 26, 1981.
#0982 Historic Planned Community of Rancho Santa Fe
Site information: On lawn between Avenida de Acacias and La Gracia, Rancho Santa Fe 33.019038,-117.203733
Plaque text: Rancho Santa Fe Rancho Santa Fe began as Rancho San Dieguito, a land grant of nearly 9,000 acres made to Juan Maria Osuna in 1845. The Santa Fe Railway Company later used the land to plant thousands of eucalyptus trees for use as railroad ties. In the 1920s Rancho Santa Fe became one of the state's first planned communities unified by a single architectural theme, the Spanish Colonial Revival. Lilian Rice, one of California's first successful women architects, supervised the development and designed many of the buildings. Plaque placed by the State Department of Parks and Recreation in cooperation with the Rancho Santa Fe Historical Society and the Rancho Santa Fe Association, June 2, 1989.
#1020 Leo Carrillo Ranch (Rancho de los Kiotes)
Site information: 6200 Flying L.C. Lane, Carlsbad Access to site and plaque is restricted by hours of operation. 33.120319,-117.236691
Plaque text: Leo Carrillo Ranch (Rancho de los Kiotes) Between 1937 and 1940, these adobe and wood buildings were built by actor Leo Carrillo as a retreat, working ranch, and tribute to old California culture and architecture. The Leo Carrillo Ranch, with its Flying 'LC' brand, originally covered 2,538 acres and was frequented by Carrillo and his friends until 1960. Leo Carrillo was a strong, positive, and well-loved role model who sought to celebrate California's early Spanish heritage, through a life of good deeds and charitable causes. Plaque placed by the State Department of Parks and Recreation in cooperation with the City of Carlsbad, Friends of Carrillo Ranch and and Squibob Chapter, E Clampus Vitus, August 6, 1996.
Site information: 900 W 23rd St, National City Plaque and site are located on gated private property. Both are easily visible from outside gate. 32.660358,-117.111448
Plaque text: National City Depot Transcontinental Railroad This National City California Southern Railroad depot built in 1882 served as the first Pacific Coast terminus station of the Santa Fe Railway system's transcontinental railroad. The station was the West Coast general office and figured prominently in Santa Fe's effort to break the economic and transportation monopoly of California held by the Central/Southern Pacific Railroads. The first transcontinental trains arrived in November 1885, resulting in one of the largest land booms in the history of California. Of the original five transcontinental railroad terminus stations, this unique Italianate designed station is the lone survivor. Plaque placed by the State Department of Parks and Recreation in cooperation with the City of National City and the Ancient and Honorable Order of E Clampus Vitus, Squibob Chapter, November 15, 1997.
#1026 Santa Margarita Ranch House
Site information: On Vandergrift Blvd near Basilone Rd, Camp Pendleton Camp Pendleton is an active Marine Base, and access is restricted. There may be tours of this site which civilians can sign up for. 33.308064,-117.341329
Plaque text: Santa Margarita Ranch In July 1769, the Portola Expedition named this area for St. Margaret of Antioch. The Mission San Luis Rey 1827 Inventories list a small building in the area. In 1841, Rancho San Onofre Y Santa Margarita was granted to Andres and Pio Pico, the last governor of Alta California. Land magnate Don Juan Forster owned the rancho from 1864-1882. Richard O'Neill and James Flood purchased 205, 000 acres in 1882. The ranch house stop served the 1882 transcontinental California Southern Railroad. In 1942, President Franklin D. Roosevelt dedicated Marine Corps Base Camp Joseph H. Pendleton. The railroad line continued as a vital military transportation link before devastation by the 1993 flood. Plaque placed by the State Department of Parks and Recreation in cooperation with the United States Marine Corps and the Ancient and Honorable Order of E Clampus Vitus, Squibob Chapter, April 25, 1998.
Plaque text: Star of India The "Star of India," a three-masted bark, is the oldest iron-hulled merchant ship afloat. Built on the Isle of Man, Great Britain, she was launched in 1863 and christened "Euterpe". The Trans-Pacific trade from 1871-1898 resulted in the Euterpe circumnavigating the earth twenty-one times, stopping in San Francisco in 1873 and 1883. She was purchased by the Alaska Packers Association to service the salmon canneries in Alaska, leaving each season from Alameda during 1902-1923, Euterpe was renamed Star of India. The Star of India continues to sail the Pacific Ocean as an active reminder of early California's maritime commerce. Plaque placed by the State Department of Parks and Recreation in cooperation with the Maritime Museum of San Diego and the Ancient and Honorable Order of E Clampus Vitus, Squibob Chapter, August 8, 1999.
Plaque text: Ferryboat "Berkeley" The steam ferryboat Berkeley was the first successful West Coast-built and operated ferry to be driven by a screw propeller as opposed to side-wheels. Built by the famous Union Iron Workers of San Francisco in 1898, the ferry operated until 1958 as part of the San Francisco Bay ferry system. The Berkeley is the oldest steel-hulled ferry on the West Coast and the earliest double-ended ferryboat to survive with her original historic fabric intact. After the 1906 San Francisco earthquake the Berkeley assisted in evacuating refugees to Oakland. Plaque placed by the State Department of Parks and Recreation in cooperation with the Maritime Museum Association of San Diego and the Ancient and Honorable Order of E Clampus Vitus, Squibob Chapter, July 9, 2000.
Site information: In shopping center off of Laning Rd, at Tatnall Ln, San Diego 32.728473,-117.216416
Plaque text: USS Recruit 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 Recruit was the first of three similar structures built by the Navy following World War II. It is the sole survivor of the three. Decommissioned 7 March 1967 when it could not be classified in computerized naval inventory, the USS Recruit nevertheless continued to train recruits, and was reconditioned in 1982 as a training guided missile frigate. Recruits gave the structure its affectionate nickname: USS Neversail. Plaque placed by the State Department of Parks and Recreation in cooperation with the Corky McMillin Companies, the redevelopment agency of San Diego and the ancient and honorable order of E Clampus Vitus, Squibob Chapter, August 13, 2005.
#1044 Giant Dipper Roller Coaster
Plaque information: There are few plaques related to the coaster, but no plaque about the state landmark designation
OHP description: The 1925 Giant Dipper Roller Coaster (or "Earthquake") is a large wooden roller coaster, and its highest "hills" reach a height of 75 feet. It is one of only two large wooden scaffolded roller coasters remaining on the West Coast. The Giant Dipper was designed by noted coaster builders Prior and Church. It is the prime survivor and most visible symbol of the Mission Beach Amusement Center. It was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1987.
Site information: On Shannon Rd south of Moore Rd, CampoS Site encompasses a large area of buildings. ~32.606973,-116.47148
Plaque text: Site of Camp Lockett After the Civil War many African American army units reorganized for duty during reconstruction, Indian wars, and survey expeditions of Western territories. Camp Lockett was the last installation in California to train "Buffalo Soldiers", a name given by Native Americans during the Western Indian wars. During World War II Buffalo Soldiers provided protection along the Mexican border, served in North Africa in 1944, and were broken up into service units. The era of the horse soldier ended. Registered October 30, 2009. Dedicated October 21, 2017. Plaque placed by California State Parks in cooperation with the Ancient and Honorable Order of E Clampus Vitus, John P. Squibob Chapter #1853, County of San Diego, and Camp Lockett Event and Equestrian Facility.