Downtown El Cajon Landmark Sign

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Marking the gateway to Downtown El Cajon, the Downtown Landmark Sign stands as both a symbol of community pride and a tribute to the city’s rich history. Officially illuminated during the Cajon Classic Cruise Car Show on June 10, 2009, the decorative sign is supported by two metal columns, each featuring a dedication and historical plaque honoring Amaziah Lord Knox, El Cajon’s founding settler.

Knox arrived in the valley in 1869, the same year gold was discovered in Julian, and by 1876 had established a small hotel at the crossroads of today’s E. Main Street and Magnolia Avenue. This location, once a hub for miners, drovers, and travelers, now serves as the site of the arch—symbolically keeping Knox “in the middle of it all” more than 140 years later.

Funded by the El Cajon Redevelopment Agency, the Landmark Sign not only celebrates the city’s origins but also serves as a vibrant landmark for visitors and locals alike. Whether passing through downtown or stopping to admire the design, the downtown monument is a must-see centerpiece of El Cajon’s heritage and community spirit.