On Oct. 15, 1910, San Diego unveiled a new era of elegance and ambition with the grand opening of the U.S. Grant Hotel.

After five years of meticulous construction and a $1.9 million investment, this architectural marvel replaced the historic Horton House, marking a significant transformation in the city’s landscape.

Designed by architect Harrison Albright, the hotel stood as a testament to modern engineering, featuring a steel-and-concrete framework that made it one of the most fire- and earthquake-resistant buildings of its era. Its 437 rooms, including 350 with private baths, two swimming pools, and a rooftop ballroom, set a new standard for luxury in San Diego.

The hotel’s inception was a collaborative effort. When Ulysses S. Grant Jr., son of President Ulysses S. Grant, found himse

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