Old Town, San Diego

[3] The Kumeyaay people were the original inhabitants of San Diego County and played a significant role in the region’s history.

All imports and exports had to be brought ashore in Point Loma and carried several miles over the La Playa Trail to the town.

With the expansion of Northern California due to the Gold Rush, San Diego’s development gained momentum under businessman Alonzo E. Horton in 1867.

Horton laid out a new city plan three miles south of Old Town, capitalizing on the area’s appealing climate and infrastructure, setting the foundation for future growth (Britannica).

Horton’s vision and the arrival of the railway connected San Diego to national markets, transforming the city into a commercial hub.

San Diego saw increased growth during the next few years due to its development as a health and tourist resort, attracting those seeking to escape the harsh weather of the East.

Their financial support and assistance helps provide funds for a period attire clothing bank and for special programming and events such as Ladies Day, Historic 4 July, Fiestas Patrias, Holiday in the Park, and descendant activities.

They also operate the BOOT Store in the Robinson-Rose Visitor Center, support the Blacksmith Shop, maintain a history research library, and publish the "Poppy Paper," an official monthly newsletter.

[20] The Old Town Transit Center is a major intermodal transportation station where travelers can transfer between San Diego Metropolitan Transit System city buses, the Green Line of the San Diego Trolley, the Coaster commuter rail service, and the regional rail system of Amtrak in the form of its inter-city Pacific Surfliner route.