Old Town in San Diego in San Diego County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
Fray Junipero Serra
Photographed by Bill Kirchner, March 30, 2015
1. Fray Junipero Serra Marker
Discovered and named San Miguel by Cabrillo in 1542
Visited and christened San Diego de Alcala by Viscaino in 1602
Here the first citizen
Fray Junipero Serra
Planted civilization in California
Here he first raised the cross here began the first mission
Here founded the first town, San Diego, July 16, 1769
In memory of him and his works the Order of Panama 1913
The original bronze plaques replaced on July 16, 1969 and presented by Heffernan Institute No. 76, Catholic Young Ladies Institute
in honor of their Golden Jubilee
(1916-1966)
Cabrillo la descubrió y la llamó “San Miguel” 1542
Viscaino la visitó y la nombró “San Diego de Alcala” 1602 acá
Fray Junípero Serra
Apostol de Califórnia y fundador de su civilizacion
Erigió la primera cruz – Consagró la primera misión
Fundó el primer pueblo – San Diego
Julio 16,
this page online
In memoría del y de sus obras la Orden de Panamá 1913
Las placas originales respuestas julio 16, 1969
y presentadas por Heffernan Institute No. 76, Catholic Young Ladies Institute
en honor de su Jubileo de Oro
(1916-1966)
Erected 1969 by Heffernan Institute No. 76, Catholic Young Ladies Institute.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Colonial Era • Exploration • Religion & Religious Structures • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical date for this entry is July 16, 1989.
Location. 32° 45.577′ N, 117° 11.683′ W. Marker is in San Diego, California, in San Diego County. It is in Old Town. It can be reached from Presidio Drive. Located west of the Serra Museum parking lot. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 2727 Presidio Drive, San Diego CA 92110, 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: San Diego Presidio Site (within shouting distance of this marker); Sylvester Pattie (within shouting distance of this marker); Junipero Serra Museum (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); George White Marston (about 400 feet away); Site with Many Cultures
Photographed by Syd Whittle, March 18, 2006
2. Fray Junipero Serra Marker in Spanish
More about this marker. Archaeologists say this cross was placed in the wrong location, but it is only a few feet north of the historic site.
Also see . . .
1. Junípero Serra. Wikipedia entry (Submitted on June 14, 2023, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.)
2. Serra's legacy complicated by practices, conflicts of his time. America: The Jesuit Review website entry (Submitted on June 14, 2023, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.)
Photographed by Syd Whittle, March 18, 2006
3. Serra Monument and Marker
Photographed by Craig Baker, March 10, 2026
4. Serra Cross
Photographed by Syd Whittle, March 18, 2006
5. The Serra Museum
Published by H.L. Christiance, San Diego,Ca.
6. Fray Junipero Serra Monument
Description on postcard:
SERRA MONUMENT, OLD TOWN
SAN DIEGO, CAL.
The Serra Monument was erected by the Order of Panama, San Diego. each member bringing an adobe brick from the old Mission de Alcala and placing it in position. A bronze tablet indicates the commemoration and the spot selected in where Fremont raised the first flag in California and the first cross was built by Father Serra.
Photographed by Webster Publishing & Novelty Co., Los Angeles, Calif.
7. Serra Museum
Description on postcard:
JUNIPERO SERRA MUSEUM, PRESIDIO HILL
"OLD TOWN," SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA
Situated in a beautiful park, this building honors the Catholic padre who established the chain of California Missions. It contains priceless collections of the Pioneer Society and the San Diego Historical Society.
Credits. This page was last revised on March 25, 2026. It was originally submitted on October 27, 2008, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. This page has been viewed 2,316 times since then and 31 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on April 8, 2015, by Bill Kirchner of Tucson, Arizona. 2, 3. submitted on October 27, 2008, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. 4. submitted on March 18, 2026, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. 5, 6, 7. submitted on October 27, 2008, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona.
