Photos

Some traditional architecture in Old Town San Diego. I liked the bright flowers in front of this stark white stucco structure. Old Town San Diego was the first settlement in what is now the state of California, often called the state's birthplace. Father Junipero Serra founded the first California mission on that site in 1769. Settlers later moved toward the area now known as the Gaslamp Quarter, but the Old Town persisted. There's also a state historic park which occupies about 9 square blocks and preserves many of the historic structures. Other important buildings include California's first schoolhouse, an early blacksmith shop, the state's first newspaper office and a stable. Each is preserved and shows what life was like from about 1821 to 1872.