09/06/2026
🏛️ THE WIGWAM: One of San Pedro’s Most Curious Buildings
I came across a Facebook post about the Wigwam recently, and the comments were filled with stories, memories, rumors…and a few things that didn’t quite add up.
So naturally, I started digging.
This building at 543 Shepard Street has been part of San Pedro for more than a century, and its history is a lot more interesting than I expected. There’s the Wigwam itself, an old connection to the San Pedro library, historic photos that raise even more questions…and then there’s that chimney. 😂
I’ve actually been inside a few times over the years, most recently for my three year old’s preschool party. And by “preschool party,” I mean there was a band, drinks, food and mostly adults having a really good time. You get the idea.
But the more I researched the building, the more I wanted to know.
So here’s a little trip into San Pedro history, along with an attempt to separate what we know from some of the stories that have been repeated over the years.
And if you know something about the Wigwam that I missed, drop it in the comments. I have a feeling there are still a few stories hiding inside this place.
