San Diego in San Diego County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)

Mission Dam and Flume

Photographed By Michael Kindig, August 4, 2007

1. Mission Dam and Flume Marker

Inscription. After many attempts dated back to 1774 to provide a reliable source of water for crops and livestock for Mission San Diego de Alcala, a dam and flume system was finished between 1813 and 1816 by Indian laborers and Franciscan Missionaries to divert waters of the San Diego River for a distance of 6 miles. The aqueduct system continued in existence until 1831 when constant flooding caused the dam and flume to fall into disrepair. They were not repaired due to secularization of the missions.

Erected 1992 by State Department of Parks and Recreation in cooperation with Mission Trails Regional Park, City of San Diego, and Squibob Chapter, E Clampus Vitus. (Marker Number 52.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Churches & Religion • Hispanic Americans • Native Americans • Waterways & Vessels. In addition, it is included in the California Historical Landmarks, the E Clampus Vitus, and the National Historic Landmarks series lists. A significant historical year for this entry is 1774.

Location. 32° 50.378′ N, 117° 2.511′ W. Marker is in San Diego, California, in San Diego County. Marker can be reached from Father Junipero Serra Trail, on the right when traveling west. Marker is

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located at the parking lot at Mission Trails Regional Park. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 9861 Father Junipero Serra Trail, San Diego CA 92119, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 6 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. KCBQ “Top 40” Personalities (approx. 2.8 miles away); Tierrasanta - Formerly Camp Elliott (approx. 3.9 miles away); San Diego State University (approx. 4.9 miles away); The Church (approx. 5.3 miles away); The Campanario (approx. 5.3 miles away); El Camino Real (approx. 5.4 miles away); Mission San Diego de Alcala (approx. 5.4 miles away); La Playa Trail (approx. 5.4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in San Diego.

Photographed By Michael Kindig, August 4, 2007

2. Mission Dam and Flume Marker

National Registry Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Michael Kindig, August 4, 2007

3. National Registry Marker

Old Mission Dam has been designated a Registered National Historic Landmark under the provisions of the Historic Sites Act of August 21, 1935. This site possesses exceptional value in commemorating and illustrating the history of the United States. U.S. Department of the Interior - National Park Service, 1963.

Mission Trails Regional Park image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Michael Kindig, August 4, 2007

4. Mission Trails Regional Park

Old Mission Dam Historic Site

Mission Dam and Flume image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Michael Kindig, August 4, 2007

5. Mission Dam and Flume

Photographed By Michael Kindig, August 4, 2007

6. Mission Dam and Flume

Credits. This page was last revised on April 12, 2023. It was originally submitted on December 29, 2011, by Michael Kindig of Elk Grove, California. This page has been viewed 1,057 times since then and 37 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on December 30, 2011, by Michael Kindig of Elk Grove, California. 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on December 31, 2011, by Michael Kindig of Elk Grove, California. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.