Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
Available On Air Stations
Watch Live

SAN DIEGO'S HISTORIC PLACES: Black Pioneers

Historical photo of the Hotel Robinson, now the historic Julian Hotel. It was built by Margaret and Albert Robinson who ran the hotel from 1887 to 1915.
San Diego History Center
Historical photo of the Hotel Robinson, now the historic Julian Hotel. It was built by Margaret and Albert Robinson who ran the hotel from 1887 to 1915.

Thursday, Feb. 23, 2023 at 9 p.m. on KPBS TV + Monday, Feb. 27 at 9 p.m. on KPBS 2 / Watch now with the PBS App

On this episode, you'll find out who the first Black pioneers were as they settled in San Diego in the early and mid-1800s. Learn how one pioneer started the first Gold Rush in the County, and another had a laundering clothes business. But probably the most recognized today, are Margaret and Albert Robinson who built and ran the Hotel Robinson from 1887 to 1915. It is now the Julian Hotel. Join host Elsa Sevilla as she uncovers facts about the past as the first Black pioneers arrived in San Diego.

Advertisement
Black pioneer, Albert Robinson, in front of the Hotel Robinson, now the Historic Julian Hotel.
Courtesy of San Diego History Center
Black pioneer, Albert Robinson, in front of the Hotel Robinson, now the Historic Julian Hotel.
The historic Julian Hotel as it looks in 2011, previously named Hotel Robinson.
Courtesy of Elsa Sevilla
The historic Julian Hotel as it looks in 2011, previously named Hotel Robinson.

Watch On Your Schedule:

All episodes of SAN DIEGO'S HISTORIC PLACES are available on demand with the PBS App. You can watch your favorite national and local station shows. Download it for free on your favorite device. The app allows you to catch up on recent episodes and discover award-winning shows.

About The Series:

SAN DIEGO'S HISTORIC PLACES is an Emmy-nominated and award-winning documentary series like no other on local television. The series explores and details the areas history dating back to the 16th century, focusing on the various groups of people living in the region. Produced and created by award-winning journalists Elsa and Guillermo Sevilla.