America 250 at the San Diego History Center!

The San Diego History Center in Balboa Park is where visitors can now experience a very special exhibition. The incredibly rich and diverse history of our city is recalled on the 250th anniversary of the United States of America.

America at 250: San Diego 1776 – 2026 features a wide range of historical artifacts, from San Diego’s earliest days to the present.

Even as a long-time resident, it’s still hard for me to wrap my head around the fact that San Diego was once part of Spain, half a world away. California’s first Spanish mission was established here in 1769, seven years before the signing of the United States Declaration of Independence.

For thousands of years, before the arrival of Europeans in the 18th century, the San Diego region was home to the native Kumeyaay people. It was a wild, mostly unmapped place distant from “civilization” and relatively unknown to the rest of the world. How times have changed!

Here are a few of the artifacts on display. My captions include some of the information presented for each object…

George Marston’s armario, dated from the 17th century. The antique wardrobe, from Burgos, Spain features a santos statue and is reminiscent of Spain’s religious life. George Marston, often called San Diego’s First Citizen, was a founder of Balboa Park.
El Jupiter, a Spanish Presidio cannon. Cast in Manila in 1783. After the Mexican-American War, where it was reportedly used, it was placed in Old Town as a monument. The cannon would be accidently blown up by people celebrating a wedding.
Chief Iodine’s jacket. A Native American born on a New York Iroquois Reservation, he explored much of the West with John C. Fremont and enlisted in the Mexican-American War as an army scout. He participated in the capture of San Diego.
The Machado Quilt, circa 1850. One of the oldest known quilts in San Diego history. It was created by Doña Juana de Dios Machado Alipas Wrightington.
Old Town survey map, 1854. Shows what is now Old Town San Diego State Historic Park. Many of the buildings on this survey are now gone.
Washington hand printing press, circa 1880s. The San Diego Union used the Washington press, printing its first edition with it in 1868.
Concord 12-passenger stagecoach. This stagecoach, numbered 158, began to be used for passenger travel in 1886 between San Diego City to Julian, El Cajon, Lakeside, and the Stonewall Mines.
Guest register for the 1915 Panama-California Exposition. The huge book was created in 1911.
Model T touring car, circa 1921. This car was owned by prominent San Diegan philanthropist and athlete Florence Chambers Newkirk, who competed in the 1924 Paris Olympics.
Mission Beach changing room, 1925. It was first built for the Mission Beach Plunge in Belmont Park.
Civil Service helmet, circa 1940s. Used by an Air Raid Warden belonging to the Civil Defense Force during World War II.
Model of tuna clipper Triunfo, circa 1940. Created by Joao G. Rebelo, a crew member.
Model of San Diego Stadium, 1960s. This model was built by Gary Allen as an initial rendering for the public.
Republican National Convention doll, 1996. A novelty doll with the interchangeable heads of Bill Clinton and Bob Dole. San Diego was host to the national convention.

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Richard Schulte

Downtown San Diego has been my home for many years. My online activities reflect my love for writing, blogging, walking and photography.

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