Digital Archives
Alonzo E. Horton, circa 1870
Alonzo Erastus Horton was an integral part to San Diego, past and present. He was a world renowned Real Estate Developer 1813 through 1909 that epitomized the "New Town," San Diego.
Alonzo, originally from Connecticut and made California his home in 1851, he thought San Diego to be "The healthiest spot in the world," along with the "Best Harbors in the World." He eventually earned a name for himself as the "Father of San Diego." Horton also believed that a fine city such as San Diego should have a park for its patrons, soon after the 1400 acre-tract of nine City Pueblo Lots was established and named "City Park" in May of 1868. In 1913, 1400 Acre City Park was renamed to Balboa Park.
2_January_1877_Lease_of_A._E._Horton_to_the_City_of_San_Diego
5_August_1878_Petition_of_A._E._Horton_to_Board_of_Trustees
13_December_1887_Application_of_A. E._Horton_Authority_to_Construct_Wharf_and Pier
22_December_1890_Petition_of_A._E._Horton_re_Improvement_Plan
4_May_1896_Message_from_the_Mayor_A. E. Horton_Cemetery_Commissioner