The Knox House Museum
"A Gem of El Cajon"
In the early 19th century, the mission padres exploring for pasture land discovered El Cajon Valley, also known as “The Box.” The surrounding foothills not only contained wandering cattle but also captured the region’s sparse rainfall, creating lush grasslands along the valley floor. For years, these fertile pastures supported the cattle herds of the mission and its native Indian converts.
Following California’s independence from Spain, the vast holdings of the Roman Catholic missions attracted the attention of Spanish Dons. With secularization, Governor Pío Pico in 1845 confiscated the lands of Mission San Diego de Alcalá and granted approximately 47,000 acres of El Cajon Valley to Doña María Antonio Estudillo, wife of Don Miguel de Pedrorena, in repayment of a $500 government obligation. This grant encompassed what are now the communities of Lakeside, Santee, Bostonia, Glenview, Johnstown, El Cajon, and part of Grossmont.
Decades later, long before railroads reached the region, pioneers arrived from around the world—overland by wagon or by ship. Many sailed from the eastern and southern coasts of the United States, navigating the treacherous waters around Cape Horn, before traveling up the western coast of South America and Mexico to San Diego’s harbor. From there, they journeyed inland, bringing their goods and dreams to El Cajon Valley.
The Knox House Museum: A Window into El Cajon’s Early Days
Erected in 1876, the Knox House Museum stands as El Cajon’s first commercial building. Originally a two-story, seven-room structure, it served as both the residence and hotel of Amaziah Lord Knox near what is now the southwest corner of Main Street and Magnolia Avenue. Soon, a kitchen and dining room were added to accommodate growing demand.
About Amaziah Lord Knox – Founder of Knox’s Corners
Knox arrived in the Valley in 1869, the year much of the area was formally opened for settlement. Employed by Isaac Lankershim, the owner of most of Rancho El Cajon, Knox managed wheat planting and built a ranch house. In 1870, following the discovery of gold in Julian, Knox purchased ten acres for $1,000 in gold coin—a strategic stopover for teamsters, miners, and drovers.
By 1876, with travel booming, Knox built his hotel and corrals. Its success earned the area the name “Knox’s Corners.” Two years later, with 25 families now in the valley, part of the hotel lobby became the first post office, with Knox serving as El Cajon’s inaugural postmaster.
Today, the Knox House Museum stands as a testament to El Cajon’s pioneering spirit, rich heritage, and enduring community legacy. It invites visitors to step back in time and experience the foundation of a vibrant city that continues to grow and thrive.
Location
280 N. Magnolia Avenue
El Cajon CA 92020
Hours
First and Third Saturdays of the Month*
11:00am to 2:00pm
Please call ahead to ensure Docents are available!
* The museum is closed in August.
Admission
Free, Memberships and Donations Welcomed
Contact Info
619.444.3800
www.ElCajonHistory.org