The Whaley House is a beautiful Greek-style home, built in 1856 as the first two-story brick building in Southern California. Now it stands as the oldest two-story brick building on the West Coast, but all those sturdy bricks aren’t enough to keep spirits away (or in).
In addition to being the home of the Whaley family, it had many different faces. Including a general store, and was even used by the San Diego County court at one point. The house was also home to San Diego’s first commercial theater group.
From the outside, Whaley House looks pleasant, even cheerful, as it sits along a busy street in the old town. But on the inside, it has a past that dates back to San Diego’s most tainted historical roots. The trouble may have started when the house was built on top of an old cemetery and near the gallows site, but it is not over yet. It was just the beginning of what will now be known as Old Town Haunted Folklore.
Haunted history of Whaley’s house
Spirits and ghosts haunt Whaley House, or so they say. Some say they can be found levitating furniture, playing the organ, and crying in sadness. Among the sightings are:
- Yankee Jim Robinson, who allegedly stole a boat and is believed to have hanged himself in or near the home. Ghostly sightings of Yankee Jim rowing a boat have been reported.
- A girl with the last name Washburn is said to have died in an accident at the home, perhaps while playing with the Whaley children. Guests report seeing her play throughout the house.
- An unnamed, dark-skinned woman in a patterned dress, a cap over her dark hair, and gold earrings stays in the room above.
- Mr. and Mrs. Whaley and their baby are also said to haunt the Whaley House. Guests reported smelling Mrs. Whaley’s elegant lavender-scented perfume or Mr. Whaley’s cigar smoke. Others see her rocking in her chair and hear her playing the piano.
- It is often felt that a young woman remains on the second floor of the house, and many perceive a feeling of deep pain in that part of the house. It is believed to be the Whaleys’ daughter, Violet, who committed suicide in the house in 1885.
- In addition to spirits, objects (including a kitchen knife) inexplicably move around the house.
Hunting the ghosts of the Whaley house
Ghosts are not malevolent, or so most people say. You can see what happened when the Travel Channel visited the Whaley House. If you want to catch a glimpse of the spirits, the house offers ghost hunting tours, using paranormal tools and techniques to uncover the legendary spirits.
More haunted things in San Diego
- Hotel del Coronado: Kate Morgan allegedly committed suicide in room 3312, and her ghost won’t go home.
- Ghostly Tours in History takes you on a limo tour ‘to die for’.
- Haunted Tours in Old Town San Diego – Ghost hunter Michael Brown leads a 1-1 / 2-hour walking tour of historic Old Town San Diego that includes the “vortex” at Whaley House.
- Haunted San Diego Tours – With a cast of characters on board, it’s entertaining even if you never see a ghost.
What you need to know about Whaley House
Check their schedule on the website. Reservations are not required. Is there an admission fee. Allow about an hour for a simple tour, more time for special tours.
Get to Whaley’s house
The Whaley House
2476 San Diego Avenue Sitio web de Whaley House en
San Diego CA
If you go to the old town, the Whaley House is just a short walk away. From I-5 in either direction, take exit 19 for Old Town Avenue, turn right onto Hortensia Street, and turn left onto San Diego Ave.
You’ll find a few two-hour unmetered parking spaces on nearby streets, or park for free all day in the large public lots on Harney and Twiggs streets.
