Albert Benjamin Smith's name occupies a prominent place in the history of San Diego. Albert was a native New Yorker who came to San Diego at an early age. While he was not in the military during the Mexican-American War, his love of country motivated him to volunteer his assistance in disabling the cannon which threatened the American troops. He later climbed the plaza flagpole, under fire, to raise the American flag. You can read more about Albert's story in the "History of San Diego, 1542-1908, Vol I, Part Two, Page 203-204"
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Albert's headstone incorrectly states 1864 as his death date. There are legal documents available that show he did not die until 1867 including a brief news article announcing his death.
A 1948 San Diego Union news article confirms Albert Benjamin Smith was buried in 1867, first in the old San Pasqual burial grounds (AKA Protestant Cemetery) in Old Town San Diego before being reintered at Fort Rosecrans Memorial Park on 29 May 1923.
(S.D. Union, 28 May 1923)
Albert is among only a few "civilians" buried in Fort Rosecrans, a military cemetery.
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Albert's headstone incorrectly states 1864 as his death date. There are legal documents available that show he did not die until 1867 including a brief news article announcing his death.
A 1948 San Diego Union news article confirms Albert Benjamin Smith was buried in 1867, first in the old San Pasqual burial grounds (AKA Protestant Cemetery) in Old Town San Diego before being reintered at Fort Rosecrans Memorial Park on 29 May 1923.
(S.D. Union, 28 May 1923)
Albert is among only a few "civilians" buried in Fort Rosecrans, a military cemetery.
Albert Benjamin Smith's name occupies a prominent place in the history of San Diego. Albert was a native New Yorker who came to San Diego at an early age. While he was not in the military during the Mexican-American War, his love of country motivated him to volunteer his assistance in disabling the cannon which threatened the American troops. He later climbed the plaza flagpole, under fire, to raise the American flag. You can read more about Albert's story in the "History of San Diego, 1542-1908, Vol I, Part Two, Page 203-204"
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Albert's headstone incorrectly states 1864 as his death date. There are legal documents available that show he did not die until 1867 including a brief news article announcing his death.
A 1948 San Diego Union news article confirms Albert Benjamin Smith was buried in 1867, first in the old San Pasqual burial grounds (AKA Protestant Cemetery) in Old Town San Diego before being reintered at Fort Rosecrans Memorial Park on 29 May 1923.
(S.D. Union, 28 May 1923)
Albert is among only a few "civilians" buried in Fort Rosecrans, a military cemetery.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Albert's headstone incorrectly states 1864 as his death date. There are legal documents available that show he did not die until 1867 including a brief news article announcing his death.
A 1948 San Diego Union news article confirms Albert Benjamin Smith was buried in 1867, first in the old San Pasqual burial grounds (AKA Protestant Cemetery) in Old Town San Diego before being reintered at Fort Rosecrans Memorial Park on 29 May 1923.
(S.D. Union, 28 May 1923)
Albert is among only a few "civilians" buried in Fort Rosecrans, a military cemetery.
Inscription
Albert Smith, Civilian
Spiked Guns At Fort Stockton
Raised American Flag
Under Fire
Dedicated By San Diego Parlors
Native Daughters And Sons
Of The Golden West 1929
Gravesite Details
A dedication stone was placed a few feet in front of his headstone. The 1929 memorial dedication was held by the Native Sons and Daughters of the Golden West.
