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| Landmark #65 | San Diego County | Visited: July 9, 2011 | Plaque? YES! 🙂 |
| What is it? | The reconstructed multi-use home of the Whaley family, also considered one of the most haunted houses in America! |
| What makes it historical? | THE GUIDE SAYS: This house, in which the San Diego County Court met for about 20 years, was the first brick building to be erected in San Diego County. The bricks were made at Thomas Whaley’s own kiln in Old Town in 1856, and the walls were finished with plaster made from ground seashells. Five generations of the Whaley family have occupied the old home.
OTHER TIDBITS: Thomas Whaley built his mansion in 1856 on the site where outlaw, “Yankee Jim” Robinson was executed, and sure enough, ghostly rumors began even before the first bricks were laid! The Whaleys built one part mercantile, one part courthouse, one part theater, and one part rental space for anyone willing to set foot inside! Over the years, the Whaleys reported odd sensations and the sound of footsteps upstairs when no one else was home! Today, it’s believed that the ghosts of the Whaleys themselves have joined the collection! Why, the volunteer at the entrance reported having seen their fox terrier, Dolly, come barking into the room, then vanish when told to be quiet! |
| How can I Help the Helpers? | HERE’S HOW:
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| Where is this place? | LISTED DIRECTIONS: Old Town San Diego State Historic Park 2482 San Diego Ave San Diego, CA 92110 ANNOTATIONS: From Los Angeles: ~117mi (189km) — 2hrs |
| When should I go? | The museum schedule is funky and all over the place, so I’ll say this: if you go to the Whaley House between 10:00 AM and 5:00 PM Thursday through Tuesday, you’ll get in! Night tours are offered during the summer if you want some real spookiness! |
