Little Manila Historic Site

Three buildings remain of what was once the largest thriving Filipino community in the United States. The history of Filipinos in Stockton extended much greater than these three buildings. Little Manila once spanned more than four city blocks, and only these three original buildings, the Iloilo Circle and the Dimasalang House, and the Daguhoy Lodge remain. Since so much of our physical history has been bulldozed, we need places that connect us to our past. To see historical buildings, touch their walls, and share the space in which our foreparents lived, partied, slept, ate, planned, worked, and fought to make a better life is to experience part of them. People travel and visit historic neighborhoods, because it is a much more meaningful experience than to look at old pictures, only to wish the buildings and neighborhood still existed. To preserve our past is to connect with our early story as Filipino Americans. Is is a story of love, sacrifice and hope. It is our story to learn... and share.