Gaslamp District Archway (Gaslamp Quarter)

This archway was dedicated in 1989 to resemble the arches that once lit city streets. Known to locals as the Gaslamp District, the Gaslamp Quarter is a historic neighborhood that extends for sixteen and a half blocks, encompassing Fourth, Fifth, and Sixth Avenues between Broadway and the Bay. Today, the historic neighborhood includes art galleries, theaters, museums, concert halls, symphony venues, and other cultural amenities. It was named for the Victorian-era gaslight street lamps that were installed in this neighborhood in the latter half of the 1800s, which, at the time, gave the area a distinctly modern feel. As a result, the neighborhood was nicknamed "New Town," in contrast with the "Old Town" section of San Diego. However, the lamps were eventually removed as the neighborhood continued to modernize, although it remained primarily an entertainment area for sailors, known for gambling, bars, and brothels. In 1974, business leaders decided that it was time to redevelop the area, and they created a master plan to improve the neighborhood, while also seeking its recognition as a National Historic District. Several properties were redeveloped, new brick sidewalks were laid out, and faux gas-lamps were installed to once again give the neighborhood a Victorian feel. The Gaslamp District was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1977.

In 1850, the Gaslamp Quarter was first developed as a wild west town. It was originally called "New Town," in order to distinguish it from San Diego's "Old Town" and mission district. It began as a busy industrial and commercial wharf area along the Bay. It was also known as an entertainment district that catered to sailors, with an assortment of bars, brothels, and gambling halls. Gunslinger Wyatt Earp was reputed to have run a gambling hall in the area.

In 1974, local business leaders began to work together to redevelop the neighborhood, and it underwent a process of gentrification. A master plan was created in order to transform a sixteen and a half square block neighborhood into the Gaslamp District. The master plan entailed laying out new brick sidewalks and installing faux gas lamps to once again give the neighborhood a Victorian feel. With its historic architecture and brick sidewalks, the Gaslamp Quarter encompasses the largest assortment of turn of the century buildings in San Diego. This neighborhood includes significant Victorian-era properties, as well as modern skyscrapers.

The Gaslamp Quarter became a historic district in 1977, and it is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Gaslamp Quarter includes Fourth, Fifth, and Sixth Avenues, south of Broadway and north of Harbor Street, which is located along the Bay. Fifth Avenue is considered the center of the Gaslamp Quarter. Today, there are more than two hundred retail shops, restaurants, hotels, art galleries, and theaters, as well as office space, residential lofts, and condos. The Gaslamp Quarter Museum and Historical Foundation, which is based at the Davis-Horton House located at 410 Island Avenue, shares the full history of this neighborhood with the visiting public.

10 Fun Facts About San Diego, San Diego Tourism Authority. Accessed July 25th 2021. https://www.sandiego.org/articles/downtown/gaslamp-10-fun-facts.aspx.

History of Gaslamp Quarter, Gaslamp Museum Historical Foundation. Accessed August 1st 2021. https://gaslampfoundation.org/history-of-gaslamp-quarter/.

National Register of Historic Places: Nomination Form, National Park Service. January 1st 1977. Accessed August 1st 2021. https://s3.amazonaws.com/NARAprodstorage/lz/electronic-records/rg-079/NPS_CA/80000841.pdf.

San Diego History: Gaslamp Quarter, San Diego Tours. Accessed August 1st 2021. https://sodiegotours.com/san-diego-history-gaslamp-quarter/.