The McCoy House

Originally built in 1869 by Irish born James McCoy as a wedding gift to his wife, Winifred, the McCoy House was the most stately home in this Old Town neighborhood. Although the house fell into severe disrepair in the early 1900’s after the deaths of James and Winifred MoCoy, the home was rebuilt in 2000 to be used as a museum.
We came to Old Town San Diego on Saturday to see this museum. To our dismay, it was closed. After a quick phone call to the information center that night, we were informed the McCoy House would be open the next day. Even in the rain, we were determined to see this museum. Again, the museum was closed, but our timing was perfect! Right as we took a photo of the front, an Old Town volunteer walked out the door. Before he could lock everything up, we were ready for a quick peak inside. With a short self-​guided tour, we were thrilled to see how the people in the area might have lived during the 1800’s and early 1900’s.
In the front of the McCoy House was the parlor. The room was designed to look like an old Victorian sitting area where the McCoy’s might have entertained guests. The next area focused on the Kumeyaay People of Kosa’aay. Believed to be the first residents of the area, it’s nice to see their unique artifacts. There’s also a section devoted to a brief history about the Spanish explorers, missions, and presidios. While there is another section that discusses the US-​Mexican war, there’s also a few little areas dedicated to The Boston Trader, The Grog Shop, and The Stage Stop. Although we didn’t have much time in this museum, we took lots of photos about the area’s history so we could read up when we had more time.
A visitor can really learn about the area’s history in this museum. While there is another section upstairs with photos and videos, we never got the chance to see this area. The museum is only open on weekends, and the docent seemed knowledgeable. If you’re planning on visiting the museum, it’s good to call ahead, and be prepared for it not to be open. There are plenty of little museums throughout Old Town (that should be open) if the McCoy House is closed.

Originally built in 1869, the McCoy House is the reconstructed wood-​frame residence of Sheriff James McCoy and his wife Winnifred. Born in Ireland, and having immigrated to Maryland, McCoy came to San Diego in 1849 after serving in the U.S. Army. He became County Assessor in 1859, and then spent ten years as City Sheriff. He was elected to the state senate in 1871,
The house is a faithful reproduction of the wedding present McCoy gave to his wife. A large two-​story home, it was very luxurious for its time. The architecture is Greek Revival, a bit out of place in Old Town, but the columned style was very popular among wealthy 19^th Century Americans.
Vegetarian Alert: History has it that Sheriff McCoy sparred with his deputy every morning, and the loser was required to cook their breakfast steaks.
California Department of Parks completed the reconstruction in 2000, and the house is open to visitors, without any fees charged. There are several permanent exhibits on the ground floor. Perhaps the most striking is the Parlor Exhibit, faithfully furnished in the fashion of a typical Victorian parlor. Next is a neat Kumeyaay Indian exhibit, followed by a Missions, Presidios, and Ranchos exhibit. You want to know what a «California Banknote» was? Check out the Hide and Tallow exhibit. Hint: It wasn’t tallow.
Upstairs, there are a few smaller, temporary exhibits. When I visited, there was a display of archaeological materials found on the site during the reconstruction, and an empty room.
Interestingly, although the house is a faithful reproduction of the 1869 home, it is fully ADA compliant, with an elevator available for those who need it.
The house is beautiful, and a fine example of what was considered luxury in the late 1800’s. It’s a great museum, and I recommend it to all.