In 1856, Thomas Whaley began construction on his new home. He proclaimed: “My new house, when completed, will be the handsomest, most comfortable and convenient place in town or within 150 miles of here.” Today, we call it Whaley House. Built from bricks crafted in Whaley’s own brickyard and furnished with mahogany and rosewood, this grand Greek Revival home cost over $10,000 to complete. It was celebrated as the first of its kind, and the finest residence in Southern California. However, it wasn’t all love and joy – and so, it also gained a spooky reputation following some unfortunate events.
Thomas Whaley’s story
Thomas Whaley, born in October 1823, into a Scots-Irish family with American roots, arrived in California during the Gold Rush. Drawing on his education and family trade experience, he opened a hardware and mining supply store in San Francisco. After a fire destroyed his business, Whaley moved to San Diego, partnering with local merchants to build his fortune. He then married New Yorker Anna Eloise DeLaunay. The couple came back to San Diego in 1855, where Whaley purchased land and began building what he intended to be ‘the finest home in California’. The happy couple had 6 children, yet lost one of them at just 18 months old.
The importance of the Whaley House for San Diego
The Whaley House was a central pillar of the Old Town San Diego community. Throughout history, besides being the Whaley family home, it was also San Diego’s first commercial theater, the county courthouse, and a general store. It was even the focal point in a battle between Old Town residents and New Town residents. Moreover, the San Diego County government had been renting a portion of the Whaley House for its offices and records. These were eventually moved to the New Town, as the city’s focus shifted.
America’s most haunted house
Over the years, many Whaley family members lived and died in the house. However, many believe that the house was simply destined to be haunted, long before it was built. The property was infamous as the site where horse thief Yankee Jim Robinson was publicly executed. But Thomas Whaley was unfazed by the location’s grim history and continued to build his dream home. His son Thomas got sick and died of scarlet fever shortly after moving in.
The Whaley House’s eerie reputation deepened over time, fueled by the family’s tragic losses and reports of lingering paranormal activity still experienced today. Visitors claim the spirit of baby Thomas remains, with cries and giggles often heard. Others report unexplained mists, lights switching on and off, and the parlor lamp’s crystals swaying on their own.
Whether you’re into paranormal activity or a sucker for amazing history, you can’t skip a visit to the Whaley House. As SoCal’s Finest Home, this place truly holds so much of San Diego’s story within its walls.