A Victorian Christmas and Ghostly Tales: Exploring the Davis-Horton House in SD
If you’re ready for a journey into history, a touch of ghostly intrigue, and a glimpse of old-fashioned holiday cheer, the Davis-Horton House in San Diego’s Gaslamp Quarter has it all. This unassuming yet elegant structure at the Gas Lamp Museum is a remarkable testament to the city’s storied past.
A House with a Storied History
Built in 1850, the Davis-Horton House is reported to be the oldest surviving structure in downtown San Diego. Its original name, the William Heath Davis House, reflects its early significance in “New Town,” an ambitious settlement that became modern San Diego. With scarce local materials available at the time, the house was shipped from Portland, ME, as a prefabricated structure. Its saltbox-style architecture, characterized by a sloping roof and two-story front, is a rare feature in California.
The house was initially located near Market and State streets, later serving as a county hospital managed by Anna Scheper in 1873, where she earned $1 per patient daily. In the 1930s, George Deyo acquired the house, and by 1977, the Lanuza family donated it to San Diego. After a restoration project, the house became a museum in 1984, preserving its historical significance for future generations.
Ghostly Lore and Paranormal Encounters
The Davis-Horton House is as famous for its spectral inhabitants as for its history. Paranormal enthusiasts flock to the site to experience its ghostly reputation. Visitors and staff report unexplained occurrences:
- Lights flickering, even when the house wasn’t wired for electricity.
- Ropes placed on doorways mysteriously falling off hooks overnight.
- A Victorian woman’s apparition, often seen near the upstairs child’s room.
- A medicine chest that seemingly closes on its own, accompanied by an eerie foreboding.
- Dining tables inexplicably rearranged overnight.
These tales have earned the house a place among San Diego’s most haunted landmarks. Events like the popular Ghost Tours, offered throughout the year, give visitors a firsthand experience of its supernatural claims.
A Victorian Christmas Tradition
Beyond its haunted history, the Davis-Horton House becomes a festive retreat during its annual Victorian Christmas Tour.
The house is adorned with period decorations, evoking the charm of 19th-century holiday celebrations. Self-guided tours allow visitors to learn how early San Diegans celebrated Christmas while immersing themselves in the historic ambiance.
Insights Into Its Many Lives
Each room in the Davis-Horton House reflects a different chapter in its history. Exhibits highlight its time as a military barracks during the Civil War, its role as a hospital, and its use as a private residence. Artifacts from these eras, including those used by Alonzo Horton, the “Father of San Diego,” provide tangible connections to the city’s past.
Visitor Reflections
Visitors praise the museum for its authenticity and rich storytelling. One guest described it as “stepping back into a different time — this house has a soul.” Others commend its knowledgeable guides and detailed exhibits, calling it a “hidden gem” in San Diego.
Plan Your Visit
- Location: 410 Island Ave., San Diego.
- Notable Events:
- Ghost Tour: Friday, Dec. 13, 6–8 p.m. Reservations required.
- Victorian Christmas Tours: Check the Gaslamp Museum website for updates.
- Christmas Candlelit Tour Friday, Dec. 20 at 5 p.m. Reservations required.
Whether you’re a history buff, a paranormal enthusiast, or simply seeking a unique holiday experience, the Davis-Horton House offers an unforgettable journey through San Diego’s past.
Sources and Citations
- Gaslamp Museum at the Davis-Horton House: Gaslamp Foundation
- San Diego Historical Society archives
- “San Diego’s Haunted History,” San Diego Union-Tribune
- Visitor reviews: TripAdvisor and Yelp
- Paranormal accounts: GhostsandGravestones.com
Debbie L. Sklar is a long-time contributing editor to the Times of San Diego. For more historical stories about Hollywood’s Golden Age and CA visit here.
Categories
Recent Posts
