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Alonzo Erastus Horton

Alonzo E Horton

Alonzo Erastus Horton (1813-1909) was an integral part of San Diego, past and present. He was a world-renowned Real Estate Developer who epitomized the "New Town," San Diego.

Alonzo, originally from Connecticut 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." Alonzo purchased 960 acres of land on San Diego Bay at a cost of 27.5 cents per acre, establishing an area that came to be known as the "Houghton Addition" or "New Town." Through his organization and establishment of various industrial, financial, and commercial enterprises, Alonzo made remarkable contributions to the prosperity of San Diego. He eventually earned a name for himself as the "Father of San Diego."

Resources:

1. Photographs of Alonzo Erastus Horton:

A. E. HortonA. E. Horton
A. E. Horton 1906

Order of Elks Groundbreaking at Second and D Street in 1906

Horton House 1889

Horton House 1889

2. Historical Documents:

3. Additional resource:

For Middle & High School Students:

Tools:

    1.  Analyze a Photograph          2.  Analyze a Document

Lesson Objects:

Students will learn about the life and contributions of Alonzo Erastus Horton and his role in the development of San Diego, California.

Lesson Preparation:

  • Biographical information about Alonzo Erastus Horton (Recommended Resource）
  • Documents about Horton's contributions to San Diego (see above)

Lesson Procedure:

  • Step 1: Introduction

- Begin the class by asking if anyone has heard of Alonzo Erastus Horton and what they know about him.
- Provide a brief overview of who he was and why he is important to the history of San Diego. (Recommended Resource)
- Explain the objectives of the lesson.

  • Step 2: Alonzo Erastus Horton's Early Life

- Provide a brief background of Horton's early life, including his birth in Connecticut in 1813, his early career, and his move to California.
- Display images of Alonzo Horton and historical photos of San Diego during his time.
- Discuss the significance of the California Gold Rush in motivating people like Horton to move to the West Coast. (Recommended Resource)

  • Step 3: Explore Horton's Contributions to San Diego 

- Divide students into groups of 3-4.
- Assign each group a specific aspect of Horton's contributions to San Diego (e.g., Horton's Wharf, Horton House Hotel, Horton Hall, Horton Plaza, San Diego Chamber of Commerce, and development of downtown San Diego).
- Provide students resources (documents, websites) to research their assigned topic. (see above)
- Ask students work in their groups to create a brief presentation about their topic.

  • Step 4: Group Presentations 

- Have each group present their findings to the class.
- Encourage questions and discussions among the students.
- Summarize the main points of each presentation and emphasize the importance of Horton's contributions to San Diego.

Summary:

Summarize the key points of Alonzo Erastus Horton and his contributions to San Diego. End this lesson with a quote from the memorial plaque: "Memorial to Alonzo E. Horton, 1813-1909. Founder of the modern city of San Diego, 1867; first in civic vision; first in heroic adventure; first in courage and determination. Here he founded the city of his dreams. Therefore we call him Father Horton.”

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