History

The Story of San Diego Reveals a Cultural Mosaic

Plaza del Pasado translates to “Plaza of the Past” in Spanish, and California State Park’s mission for Old Town’s cultural center and marketplace is to connect its visitors with a better understanding and appreciation of life and commerce in San Diego as it was from 1821 to 1872.

San Diego’s story is varied and elaborate, a mosaic of tiles pieced together by a variety of cultures.

After living on this land for over 10,000 years, the Kumeyaay Indians endured the loss of their culture when the Spanish forced them into mission life, converting them to Catholicism and using them as labor workers. When Mexico achieved independence from Spain in 1821, the unique “Californio” ranching culture arose and cattle ranching became the economic cornerstone of Mexican California.

In 1846, the United States wrested control of California from Mexico and three years later gold was discovered in California. Gold seekers, vaqueros, sailors, entrepreneurs, and the elite came to San Diego and contributed to our growing cultural mosaic. From hunting and gathering to cattle ranching to a merchant economy, San Diego remains a cultural mosaic.

Archaeology reveals the story of San Diego:

California State Parks and Plaza del Pasado are restoring the Cosmopolitan Hotel and Restaurant to its original 1874 glory! One of the earliest adobe homes and most significant buildings in southern California, the Cosmopolitan reveals the cultures of San Diego.

Reconstruction is slated for completion in late 2009.