Old Town, San Diego, CA- April 2008

Everyone said, "Go to Old Town," so of course, I did! I, also, spent too much time there and thoroughly enjoyed it. Those of you that are familiar with Prescott Park, in Portsmouth, have an understanding of this National Historic Site, but on the opposite coast with different players. It is said to be "the place where San Diego began" and includes a rich history of the Native Americans, the Spanish, and the Mexicans( before the US decided they wanted the land and took it).

The first "taking" was by the Spanish when Cordillo sailed into the bay in 1542 and declared the land for Spain, despite the fact that a Native American group called the
Kumeyaay already lived in the region. The Spanish returned about 60 years later and the first Catholic mass was said on the land. It wasn't until around 1760-1780, that the Spanish became very interested in the land and sent in fleets and missionaries.
Twenty-one missions were built and many Native Americans died in the process.

Spain lost their hold after Mexico became independent in 1821 and claimed San Diego for themselves. In 1833, the Mexican government passed a law that allowed the division of the mission lands creating large, properous "ranchos" owned by Mexicans who called themselves, Californios.

The Mexican-American war began after a dispute in which Polk seized land along the Rio Grande and then, invaded Mexico; in 1850, California became the 31st state. The Mexicans living there were given the choice of staying and becoming US citizens or leaving. Many wealthy Mexicans lost their land at this time.

Old Town was developed by these early Californios and today, is a 6 block pedestrian park that still contains some of the original buildings built around the central square. Some of the buildings have been rebuilt and/or refurbished and contain original furnishings. There is a great visitors center, lots of restaurants and stores. The workers were mainly Mexican and Spanish was spoken throughout so there was a very authentic feeling. A large livery stable showcased early vehicles, and a great Concord Coach, all the way from NH. The Mason School was the first school in San Diego and covered 8 grades.

The park was beautifully done and represents the history in a real way. I think that many Americans who get angry about the Mexican immigrants, forget that much of the southwest belonged to Mexico before it belonged to us. Spanish was the first language in this region, after the Native American languages, of course!