Knox House
280 N. Magnolia Avenue, El Cajon CA 92020

Photos courtesy El Cajon Historical Society

WHEN GOLD WAS DISCOVERED in Julian in the 1870s, travel on the road between Julian and San Diego grew significantly and Knox recognized the need for a hotel halfway between the two areas. The Knox House is part of a hotel built in 1876, near what is now the southwest corner of Main Street and Magnolia Avenue at a cost of $1,000. Originally a two-story, seven-room structure that served as both Amaziah Knox's residence and hotel; it soon boasted an add-on dining room for guests on the east side.

The parlor area was the first post office and Mr. Knox was the postmaster for 90 residents. The original building became the house of Mr. and Mrs. Knox and their four children while they ran a 24-room hotel. The Knox House Museum reflects the years 1895-1912. The products on display were easily available to anyone within driving distance of a railroad.

In 1912, the area around the hotel was incorporated as the City of El Cajon. In 1915, new owners moved the building to the rear of the lot and also added an annex. In the 1940's, new construction was scheduled for the south side of Main Street. So S.H. Mathews purchased the building and moved it to the southeast corner of Lexington and Magnolia Avenues to become his family home.

In 1972, the City of El Cajon purchased the hotel from the Mathews Estate and moved it to its present location to become a historical focus of the city.

El Cajon Historical Society LINK