Near Winterhaven in Imperial County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
Site of Mission la Purisima Concepcion
1780-1781
September 2, 2011
1. La Purisima Concepcion Marker
In October 1780, Father Francisco Garces and companions began Mission La Purisima Concepcion. The mission/pueblo site was inadequately supported, colonists ignored Indian rights, usurped the best lands and destroyed Indian crops. Completely frustrated and disappointed, the Quechans (Yumas) and their allies destroyed Concepcion in July 17-19, 1781
Erected 1982 by California Parks & Recreation; Quechan Tribe; Catholic Archdiocese of San Diego; Imperial Valley Pioneers; and Squibob Chapter, E. Clampus VItus. (Marker Number 350.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Indigenous Peoples and Communities • Religion & Religious Structures. In addition, it is included in the California Historical Landmarks, and the E Clampus Vitus series lists. A significant historical month for this entry is July 1989.
Location. 32° 43.831′ N, 114° 36.933′ W. Marker is near Winterhaven, California, in Imperial County. It is on Quechan Drive 0.1 miles north of Quechan Road, on the left when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Winterhaven CA 92283, United States of America.
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Regionally, this marker is in California’s Imperial Valley. It is also in the American Southwest. Globally, it is in North America, on the Ring of Fire, in the Pacific Rim, in the Western Hemisphere, in the Western World, and in the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain and also Mexicos Alta California.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Fray Francisco Hermenegildo Garcιs (here, next to this marker); Site of Old Ferry Landing (approx. 0.2 miles away in Arizona); The All-important Colorado River Crossing (approx. 0.2 miles away in Arizona); "Indian Hill" (approx. 0.2 miles away in Arizona); Juan Bautista de Anza National Historic Trail (approx. 0.2 miles away in Arizona); "Ocean to Ocean" Highway Bridge (approx. 0.2 miles away in Arizona); Fort Yuma (approx. 0.2 miles away); View of the Prison from Across the River (approx. 0.2 miles away in Arizona). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Winterhaven.
More about this marker. The Mission is on top of a bluff bypassed by Quechan Drive. It can be walked
Photographed by Adam Margolis, February 1, 2025
2. Site of Mission La Purisima Concepcion Marker
September 2, 2011
3. Mission La Purisima Concepcion Marker
September 2, 2011
4. Mission La Purisima Concepcion Marker
The statue and base with markers is visible at the left of the Saint Thomas Indian Mission. The La Purisima Concepcion marker faces the chapel.
September 2, 2011
5. Mission La Purisima Concepcion Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on February 3, 2025. It was originally submitted on September 6, 2011. This page has been viewed 2,541 times since then and 92 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on September 6, 2011. 2. submitted on February 3, 2025, by Adam Margolis of Mission Viejo, California. 3, 4, 5. submitted on September 6, 2011. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.
