First San Diego Courthouse

Location: Next to Colorado House,
2733 San Diego Ave (approx. address)
Old Town State Historic Park, Old Town San Diego, CA (map)
Phone: (619) 220-5422
More info: : Website

Museum Highlights

The Mormon Battalion, contacted by Col. Stephen W. Kearny, arrived in San Diego in January of 1847 to support the U.S. military garrison in the pueblo during the war with Mexico. When not engaged in military duties, the Mormon soldiers assisted the community by building new brick-lined wells, laying out walkways, and building the first fired-brick structure in San Diego.

Originally designed as a own hall, the 16 ft. by 27 ft. brick building stood on the corner of the plaza facing San Diego Avenue. It had a moderately sloped tile roof, and the brick walls were whitewashed. Mexican and U.S. members of the Boundary Commission used the building as their headquarters in 1849.

On March 27, 1850, the state legislature incorporated the town of San Diego. From that time until 1869, the building served as the city and county courthouse. It was also used as a meeting place, church, school, and polling place during elections.

The courthouse was destroyed in the 1872 fire. The First San Diego Courthouse Association reconstructed it in 1992.