Gaslamp Quarter

The Welcome on 5th Street

One of the most rewarding aspects of penning an exploration and research blog is all the history one learns. John and Laureen are natural history buffs and we truly enjoy the knowledge gleaned from the research needed for the majority of our blogs.

For example, in this blog we really dug deep into why the Gaslamp Quarter in San Diego is so popular. Sure, there are fine restaurants, plenty of bars and entertainment venues, historical landmarks, and dozens of hotels welcoming guests to the city. No matter the traveler's budget, there is something for everyone in the Gaslamp Quarter. But, this district is a very popular ‘hang-out’ for local San Diegans as well – why is that? Most cities have tourist areas which locals will avoid at all costs but not this locale. This 16 ½ square block area located in downtown, is just a few steps from the Convention Center, Petco Park and Horton Plaza, and is enjoyed by all.

Map of the Gaslamp Quarter in relation to the modern city of San Diego

It seems a magnet for all to come and enjoy the day and night life the Quarter offers. There is as much to do when the sun is up as  when it dips below the blue Pacific waters to the west.

Hop aboard for the Gaslamp Quarter

The only way to tell a tourist from a local is how they refer to the area. Even with the large ornate sign spanning 5th Street welcoming everyone to the Gaslamp Quarter, the locals call the area the Gaslamp District. That is referred to as a ‘shibboleth’ – a custom, principle, or belief distinguishing a particular class or group of people. In other words – the locals don’t want to be mistaken for tourists. Snobbery or local pride – perhaps a bit of both but whether you call it the Gaslamp Quarter or the Gaslamp District, the area is a must see.

The question both Laureen and John wanted to answer is what was the history of this beautiful and eclectic district, and how far back did that history stretch?

The answer was actually quite fascinating.

1880's style never gets old

It seems that San Diego faced an uncertain future after statehood was granted to California in 1850. The town was a small village near the border of Mexico and no matter what enterprising people dreamed of turning it into, never seemed to become a reality. In fact, William Heath Davis spent approximately $60,000 building a wharf in that same year, and had visions of San Diego becoming a close competitor in shipping with San Francisco. The problem was the wharf was rarely used for commercial purposes, and in 1853 a ship collided with the wharf. That damage was never repaired, and the broken wharf became known as 'Davis’ Folly.'

Things took a turn for the better when a developer from San Francisco named Alonzo Horton arrived in 1867, believing the city of San Diego was his to create.

The place Wyatt Earp called home while in San Diego

“I have been nearly all over the world and it seemed to me to be the best spot for building a city I ever saw,” he reportedly stated when looking over the raw sections of land bordering the San Diego Bay. He knew the city center itself had to be by the water – rather upsetting the citizens who lived in what would later become known as Old Town.

Horton paid $265 for 900 acres near the water's edge at an auction and soon his dream began to take shape. He referred to the area as New Town and started talking business owners into moving to this new location by the sea. His salesmanship was so good that on one day, the 24th of March 1869, he sold some $5,500 dollars worth of commercial and residential property. Quite a profit for one day’s selling by the man from San Francisco with dreams of creating a shining port city at the southernmost tip of California.

Beautiful architecture surrounds the Gaslamp Quarter 

The area boomed and soon the entire government business of running the city was relocated to the area, including moving the county courthouse in 1871.

But it was those 16 ½ original acres that became the most famous of the new downtown of San Diego and through the years, have prospered beyond Horton’s wildest dreams. Of course, with prosperity comes a certain element of not-so-good citizens – the town’s red light district (123 bordellos), gambling halls, sleazy bars (71), and the like grew up right beside the respectable businesses.

Historic Yuma Building - constructed 1882

In fact, the area south of Market Street became so well-known for low-lifes running the streets and the various businesses, that it was nicknamed the Stingaree--so called because a person could get stung easier in that section of town than while swimming in the San Diego Bay known for actual stingrays.

Even Wyatt Earp, of Tombstone fame, leased four gambling houses in the Stingaree area and made San Diego his home for years. The San Diego City Directory had him listed as a capitalist – nice way to say gambler – in 1887. He may have lived or kept visiting the city until 1896. Of course, his wife, Josie was beside him the entire time as they were inseparable after being together since the gunfight in Tombstone which made Wyatt Earp a household name.

Soon, the more reputable businesses moved farther north of Market Street so their customers and they would not have to socialize with the Stingaree folks.

The area had its ups and downs for decades and finally in 1970 the good citizens showed interest in preserving the history of the place. In 1976, the city adopted the Gaslamp Quarter Urban Design and Development Manual, detailing how to preserve the historical structures themselves from further decay. By 1982, the Quarter became a major focus of redevelopment and was listed as a national historic district.

A great venue destination for any traveler

The end result is fabulous and a great joy to visit any day of the year.

Lots of great restaurants are to be had in the Quarter

For more information:

Gaslamp Quarter - https://www.gaslamp.org/
Explore San Diego - https://www.sandiego.org/articles/downtown/historic-gaslamp-quarter.aspx