Mormon Battalion Historic Site, San Diego
Such a great concept in a new, highly interactive museum with lots to do for people of all ages! The guides and tourists "re-enact" the group of 500 Mormon volunteers that joined the U.S. Military during the Mexican-American War of 1846-48, leaving their Midwestern state of Iowa for the new San Diego, ready to fight if necessary.
The battalion was stationed in Old Town in 1847, and they built wells and a courthouse on the site. In the 1960s, the Church of Latter-day Saints opened a visitor center to commemorate their historical ties to San Diego. The building may be themed like something at Disneyland (so you can tell it isn't an original), but it is very carefully constructed.
Inside, visitors move through different rooms as the docents (who are church missionaries) act out an absorbing theatrical production with each room as a different set. At the end, you can have an old-fashioned photo taken, pan for gold, and climb to an observation tower and see all of Old Town.
A very worthwhile experience and it is all free!
The battalion was stationed in Old Town in 1847, and they built wells and a courthouse on the site. In the 1960s, the Church of Latter-day Saints opened a visitor center to commemorate their historical ties to San Diego. The building may be themed like something at Disneyland (so you can tell it isn't an original), but it is very carefully constructed.
Inside, visitors move through different rooms as the docents (who are church missionaries) act out an absorbing theatrical production with each room as a different set. At the end, you can have an old-fashioned photo taken, pan for gold, and climb to an observation tower and see all of Old Town.
A very worthwhile experience and it is all free!
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in San Diego. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
Download The GPSmyCity App
Mormon Battalion Historic Site on Map
Sight Name: Mormon Battalion Historic Site
Sight Location: San Diego, USA (See walking tours in San Diego)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: San Diego, USA (See walking tours in San Diego)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in San Diego, California
Create Your Own Walk in San Diego
Creating your own self-guided walk in San Diego is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Historic Gaslamp District Walking Tour
The Gaslamp Quarter is a lively 16½-block neighborhood in downtown San Diego, known for its nightlife, diverse entertainment and, just as importantly, historical appeal.
Back in the 1860s, the area was known as New Town, in contrast to Old Town, the original Spanish colonial settlement. After a period of decay, the neighborhood underwent redevelopment during the 1980s and 1990s, and was... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.5 Km or 0.9 Miles
Back in the 1860s, the area was known as New Town, in contrast to Old Town, the original Spanish colonial settlement. After a period of decay, the neighborhood underwent redevelopment during the 1980s and 1990s, and was... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.5 Km or 0.9 Miles
Balboa Park Walking Tour
Named after the Spanish explorer Vasco Núñez de Balboa, Balboa Park is one of the largest cultural parks in the United States. A renowned cultural and recreational hub, it offers a plethora of attractions and activities for visitors of all ages.
One of the prominent landmarks within the park is the California Building and Tower, which boasts stunning Spanish-Colonial Revival architecture.... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.7 Km or 1.1 Miles
One of the prominent landmarks within the park is the California Building and Tower, which boasts stunning Spanish-Colonial Revival architecture.... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.7 Km or 1.1 Miles
Embarcadero Marina Walking Tour
Adjacent to downtown San Diego and the picturesque San Diego Bay is a vibrant waterfront area. Embarcadero Marina, a testament to the region's colorful maritime heritage, houses several outstanding ship museums and is home to other notable sites. The abundance of shopping and dining options, complete with the pristine views of the city skyline, delight numerous locals and tourists and make... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.3 Km or 1.4 Miles
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.3 Km or 1.4 Miles
Old Town Walking Tour
Old Town is the oldest settled area in San Diego which claims to be the first site visited by Europeans on the West Coast of modern United States.
The Native American culture in the area, however, goes back thousands of years. Historically, this land had been a home to the Kumeyaay people who settled on the banks of the San Diego river since around 1000 AD. The first European explorer to... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.2 Km or 0.7 Miles
The Native American culture in the area, however, goes back thousands of years. Historically, this land had been a home to the Kumeyaay people who settled on the banks of the San Diego river since around 1000 AD. The first European explorer to... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.2 Km or 0.7 Miles
Useful Travel Guides for Planning Your Trip
Souvenir Shopping Guide: 14 Gifts That Say San Diego
San Diego is known for its beautiful, temperate climate, but you can’t take the weather home with you. If you want a piece of San Diego as a souvenir, it’s best to shop with the natives. Whether it is made locally or just made famous locally, following are 14 perfect gifts that capture the...