23 23 Old Town San Diego State Historic Park presents the opportunity to experience the history of early San Diego by providing a connection to the past. Converging cultures have contributed to the many flavors of Old Town San Diego experienced through food, history, arts, and entertainment. The Kumeyaay people, and their ancestors have lived in this area for more than 13,000 years. It is the influences of the Native American, Mexicans, Europeans, Asians, and many others that transformed San Diego from a Mexican pueblo to an American settlement. San Diego is the site of the first Spanish settlement in what we now call California. In 1825 this region, was the capital of both California and Baja California. The heart of Old Town San Diego has been a California State Historic Park since 1968. As you wander through its historic homes and buildings, you can feel yourself moving back in time to early California. Be sure to see the windmill behind the Seeley Stable. This mill is a recently restored working model of the one that stood here in the 19th century. It is a remarkable piece of engineer- ing and the only one of its kind in the entire world! Wander into the many shops and restaurants. Stop at the Robinson-Rose Visitor Center and find out what activities are happening in the park. Take a free tour. Old Town San Diego is a place of many surprises. You never know what you may discover!