Davis-Horton House - Gaslamp Museum
410 Island Avenue, San Diego CA 92101

Courtesy sandiegodowntownnews.com

Courtesy ttnotes.com

BUILT IN 1850, THE DAVIS-HORTON HOUSE is the oldest standing structure in downtown San Diego. Originally one of a dozen prefabricated houses shipped to San Diego from Maine in 1850 by William Heath Davis. Alonzo Horton, the "Father of San Diego," purchased the home for $100 in 1867 and resided there with his second wife, Sarah while their first mansion was being constructed at 10th and G Streets.

This saltbox style structure takes its name from its resemblance to the wooden lidded box in which salt was once kept. Typically, a saltbox dwelling has just one story in the back and two stories in the front. A long pitched roof that slopes down to the back, flat front, and central chimney are also recognizable features.

Originally erected near what is now State and Market Streets, the house has been moved twice since then. First, in 1873, Anna Scheper purchased it and contracted with San Diego County to run it as a hospital at 11th and K streets. In 1977 the home was donated to the City of San Diego to be moved to Island Avenue to become a museum. It was there that renovation and restorations began. Electricity was installed for the first time in 1984.

Each room in the house depicts a period in its history: from its first use as a military officers' barracks, to county hospital, to private residence.

Gaslamp Foundation LINK