[1] The first European settlement on the West Coast of the present-day United States was the San Diego Presidio, a military outpost of Spanish California, founded by Gaspar de Portolà in 1769.Presidio Hill remained the primary settlement for several decades because it was defensible against attack by European enemies or hostile Native Americans.[5] During the pueblo period following Mexican independence, the Old Town area was the commercial and governmental hub of the region, even though its population was never more than a few hundred.All imports and exports had to be brought ashore in Point Loma and carried several miles over La Playa Trail to the town.Other historic buildings include a schoolhouse, a blacksmith shop, San Diego's first newspaper office, a cigar and pipe store, houses and gardens, and a stable with a carriage collection.[14] In spring 2009, Delaware North withdrew from its contract with the state and management changed hands to the Old Town Family Hospitality Corporation, headed by local restaurateur Chuck Ross.
The First San Diego Courthouse, now the Courthouse Museum, (left) and Colorado House, location of the
Wells Fargo History Museum
(right)