Old Town Cemetery Group Launches Genealogy Site to Preserve San Diego History

Descendants of Early San Diego is working to modernize the preservation efforts at Old Town Cemetery, the city's first burial ground established in 1849. The organization has launched a dedicated genealogy website designed to help residents trace their family lines and verify if their ancestors are interred at the historic site.

Connie Rascon Gunther, the group's chair, stated that the primary goal is to honor ancestors and give them recognition. She explained that the team helps people find creative ways to connect with those buried there, moving beyond simple tombstone inscriptions to tell full stories.

The cemetery holds the remains of more than 400 individuals who helped shape the early community. On the day of the event, the grounds are decorated with marigolds, colorful artwork, and offerings for Día de los Muertos. Rascon Gunther noted that the tradition serves to bring the dead back into the narrative of the living.

Marcus Fisher, a ghost tour guide known as Tecolote with Ghosts & Gravestones of San Diego, also operates at the site. He leads tours that focus on the haunting tales associated with the cemetery, such as the story of Yankee Jim. According to the lore shared during the tours, Yankee Jim was sentenced to death for an attempted boat robbery.

Fisher compared the historical crime to a modern grand theft, noting that the severity of the punishment may seem surprising to contemporary audiences. He stated that sharing these stories allows the living to learn from the mistakes of the past.

The group is currently seeking public input on future improvements to the location. Rascon Gunther said the organization wants to make the stories easier to find and turn the cemetery into a safer, more educational space for the community. They are looking for suggestions that will help preserve the site while making it more accessible to visitors.

The genealogy website allows the group to preserve family trees and protect personal information. This digital tool connects generations and ensures that the people who came before are not lost to time. The organization continues to curate the cemetery and preserve its history throughout the year, not just during the annual holiday.