Gaslamp Quarter
The Gaslamp Quarter in San Diego began as William Heath Davis’ New Town in 1850. The venture to build a town on the waterfront failed and the area became know as Rabbitville. In 1867, Alonzo Horton bought 800 acres of the waterfront property, determined to build a new downtown on the site. Initially supported by a real estate boom, the area eventually slid into decay and disrepute until business and property owners banded together to revitalize the area in 1974. Restoration began with $100,000 from the San Diego City Council, leading to the formation of the Gaslamp Quarter Association to protect and promote the historic district. The area is a National Historic District on the National Register of Historic Places.
San Diego, San Diego County
Photographer: John Bare