Presidio Park facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Presidio Park |
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The Junípero Serra Museum in Presidio Park
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 Presidio Park
Location in San Diego
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| Location | San Diego, California |
| Governing body | City of San Diego |
| Official name: Serra Palm | |
| Reference #: | 67 |
Presidio Park is a special historic park in San Diego, California. It's where the very first European settlements on the West Coast of the United States began. These were the San Diego Presidio (a fort) and the San Diego Mission. Both were founded way back in 1769.
This park covers about 40 acres (16 hectares). From here, you can see amazing views of the city, the San Diego River valley, and the big Pacific Ocean. Everyone is welcome to visit the park. You can even use its spaces for events like weddings.
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A Look Back: Presidio Park's History
In 1773, the mission moved a few miles away, but the fort stayed on Presidio Hill. The fort, called a "presidio," was built to protect against attacks. Over time, people felt safer and moved to Old Town at the bottom of the hill.
The old fort slowly fell apart and was mostly ruins by 1835. During the Mexican–American War, the United States Army used the site for a new fort called Fort Stockton. Today, Fort Stockton at Presidio Park is a California Historical Landmark.
Saving Presidio Hill: George Marston's Vision
In 1907, a rich businessman named George Marston bought Presidio Hill. He wanted to save this important historical spot. When the city couldn't help, Marston built a private park himself.
He hired architect John Nolan to design the park. Marston also had the beautiful Serra Museum built in 1925. Architect William Templeton Johnson designed this museum. Marston then gave the entire park to the city in 1929.
Historical Landmarks and Discoveries
A special spot in the park is where Junípero Serra planted a palm tree in 1769. This place is now a California Historical Landmark. While no old buildings remain, archaeologists sometimes dig here. They look for clues about the past.
A fenced area shows where the old chapel walls and other historical structures once stood. These digs help us learn more about San Diego's beginnings.
Junípero Serra Museum
The Junípero Serra Museum is a key part of Presidio Park. The San Diego Historical Society runs this museum. It shows exhibits about how San Diego was founded.
What You Can See at the Museum
Built in 1925, the Serra Museum looks like an old Spanish mission. It displays items found during archaeological digs. You can also see historic objects and learn about the Spanish and Mexican people who first lived here. The museum also teaches about the native people of the San Diego area.
The Serra Museum was the first home of the San Diego Historical Society. This group was started in 1929 by George Marston, who gave the park to the city. In 1982, the society, now called the San Diego History Center, moved to Balboa Park.
See also
