James W. Robinson came to San Diego from Texas in the spring of 1850 with his wife Sarah. Over the ensuing seven years, he was involved in almost every aspect of the town's development. Thoroughly familiar with American and Mexican law, Robinson developed quite a successful law practice as well as being a respected investor, promoter, and trustee of the school board. In 1853, he built this grand house on the plaza as a residence and law office. The first floor was made of adobe, while the second floor was wood framed. Oddly, the first floor was painted and plastered to look like wood siding while the second floor was painted to look like adobe. Over time, the building served as law and medical offices, jail cell, schoolroom, newspaper office, store, residential apartments, and the County Clerk's office.

In 1868, Robinson's then-widow sold the property to long time Old Town resident Louis Rose, a German Jewish entrepreneur, for $10,000 in gold coins. Sometime around 1900, the house had been demolished. California State Park reconstructed the existing replica in 1989. It serves as the park's visitor information center and includes a diorama of Old Town San Diego as it would likely have been in 1872, which was built by Joseph Toigo.

Photo of James W. Robinson

Though we don't know for sure who is haunting the place, several entities love the new abode. Because it is an exact copy of Robinson's abode, perhaps Judge Robinson and Sarah have moved back in, reliving all the good times they had together in their beloved house, before the Judge became ill.

Or the entities could be tied to other abodes built on the site, or perhaps entities while alive who occupied the businesses and offices also located in the abode.

Several different apparitions have appeared before park employees and tourists. Some are seen as cloud-like vapors while others look like people, dressed in 18th century attire.

A clear apparition of a man dressed in an 18th century shirt and tie can be seen in one of the upstairs rooms, going about his business when the place is quiet and not open.

The entities who reside here like to play with the electrical conveniences, like lights, and enjoy an unauthorized ride up and down the elevator on occasion.

Footsteps made by a large man can be heard upstairs.

Women's hair has been tugged at and played with playfully.

Witnesses say the ghosts that live here occasionally show up as apparitions or cloudy mists, and they also may tinker with lights and pull at women’s hair. Footsteps also have been heard and the elevator has been known to operate by itself.