Julian Hotel is a National Historic Site opened in 1887 in north San Diego County; (c) Soul Of America
San Diego Heritage Sites
San Diego Heritage Sites for African Americans began in the late 1900s. Several historic sites remain downtown, while much of the black community lies west of it, particularly the churches and cultural centers. Just outside of the city, Julian, a town from even older Gold Rush days, is also rich with a historic black-built hotel.
Hotel Douglas Historic Site
DESCRIPTION: George Ramsey built a hotel primarily for African Americans here in 1924; it was known throughout town for some of the best entertainment; unfortunately it was demolished in 1984 without leaving a historic marker
ADDRESS: 206 Market Street, San Diego, CA MAP
Harlem of the West Sites
DESCRIPTION: San Diego had a large collection of Black businesses in this area at the beginning of the 20th century; Clermont Hotel, Ideal Hotel, Harlem Locker Club, Lillian and Ocie Grant House, Grant Courts, Grant Lodge, Simmons Hotel, Bon Ton Restaurant all have interesting histories
ADDRESS: Gaslamp Quarter, San Diego, CA MAP
WEBSITE: Harlem of the West
Historic Juke Joint Cafe
DESCRIPTION: Trey Brady, a former Hewlett Packard Company manager, opened a premier jazz restaurant destination in town in the late 1990s; this visionary saw the rebirth of the Gaslamp District, but was forced to close by owners who sold the land for a major complex; when it was open Juke Joint served jambalaya, Moody’s Meatloaf, Big Daddy’s Catfish, The Color Purple Eggplant, Sarah Vaughn’s Fried Prawns with an engaging variety of jazz, blues and R&B
ADDRESS: 327 4th Avenue, San Diego, CA MAP
Town of Julian
DESCRIPTION: Gold Rush town where many African Americans lived during the 1800s. Coleman River is named after Fred Coleman, an African American who discovered gold in the town.
ADDRESS: Julian, CA MAP
PHONE: 760-765-1857
WEBSITE: https://www.julianca.com
Julian Hotel
DESCRIPTION: Formerly named Hotel Robinson, it was founded by African American couple, Margaret and Albert Robinson in 1887 and operated for 28 years until Albert’s death in 1916. The building is listed in the National Register of Historic Places as the oldest continuously operated hotel in Southern California. Today, it is still a must-visit destination marketed as a Gold Rush Hotel. Even if are not a guest, stop in the attractive gift shop.
ADDRESS: 2032 Main Street, Julian, CA MAP
PHONE: 760-765-1857
WEBSITE: https://www.julianhotel.com/