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

Serra Palm

Photographed by Craig Baker

1. Serra Palm Marker

Inscription. Traditionally the earliest planted tree in California. Directly in the rear, beneath the brow of the hill, lie the dead of the sacred expedition of 1769. Burial place of our first unknown soldiers.

Erected 1950 by The California Centennials Commission in cooperation with San Diego County Historical Markers Committee, September 2, 1950. (Marker Number 67.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Cemeteries & Burial Sites • Colonial Era • Exploration. In addition, it is included in the California Historical Landmarks, the E Clampus Vitus, and the Portolá Expedition series lists. A significant historical year for this entry is 1769.

Location. 32° 45.566′ N, 117° 11.771′ W. Marker is in San Diego, California, in San Diego County. It is in Old Town. It is at the intersection of Taylor Street and Presidio Drive, on the right when traveling north on Taylor Street. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: San Diego CA 92103, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in California’s Peninsular Ranges.

It is also on the American Pacific Coast.

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 Mexico’s Alta California.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Derby Dike (here, next to this marker); La Playa Trail (here, next to this marker); Fray Junipero Serra (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); Sylvester Pattie

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(about 500 feet away); San Diego Presidio Site (about 600 feet away); Junipero Serra Museum (approx. 0.2 miles away); George White Marston (approx. 0.2 miles away); Site with Many Cultures (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in San Diego.

Regarding Serra Palm. This site has been designated as California Registered Historical Landmark No.67

Site of the palm planted in 1769 by Padre Junípero Serra when he arrived at San Diego. Here the four divisions of the Portolá Expedition met on July 1, 1769. The famous 'El Camino Real,' most celebrated trail in California, begins here.

Photographed by Syd Whittle, March 18, 2006

2. Serra Palm Marker

Photographed by Syd Whittle, March 18, 2006

3. Serra Palm Marker

Markers Under Main Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Syd Whittle, March 18, 2006

4. Markers Under Main Marker

First Marker The last dying Serra Palm was cut down on June 6, 1957. The marker was preserved by Archie and Margaret O'Neal, and rededicated by Squibob Chapter, E Clampus Vitus on December 6, 1980. Second Marker San Diego People for Trees on July 16, 1995 dedicated these Date Palms to commemorate the 1769 planting of the Serra Trees.

Photographed by Bill Kirchner, March 30, 2015

5. Serra Palm Marker

Serra Palms, circa 1915 image. Click for full size.

courtesy San Diego History Center

6. Serra Palms, circa 1915

Credits. This page was last revised on April 28, 2026. It was originally submitted on October 1, 2008, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. This page has been viewed 2,180 times since then and 63 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on February 14, 2026, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. 2, 3, 4. submitted on October 1, 2008, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. 5. submitted on April 8, 2015, by Bill Kirchner of Tucson, Arizona. 6. submitted on February 14, 2026, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California.