Mission Valley in San Diego in San Diego County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
Mission San Diego de Alcala
Photographed by Craig Baker
1. Mission San Diego de Alcala Marker
Erected 1989 by State Department of Parks and Recreation; Diocese of San Diego; and Squibob Chapter E Clampus Vitus. (Marker Number 242.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Colonial Era • Exploration • Religion & Religious Structures • Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the California Historical Landmarks, the E Clampus Vitus, and the National Historic Landmarks series lists. A significant historical date for this entry is July 16, 1769.
Location. 32° 47.056′ N, 117° 6.377′ W. Marker is in San Diego, California, in San Diego County. It is in Mission Valley. It can be reached from San Diego Mission Road. Marker is mounted on the front of the main Mission building. Touch for map. Marker
this page online
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: El Camino Real (here, next to this marker); a different marker also named Mission San Diego de Alcala (within shouting distance of this marker); Padres' Living Quarters (within shouting distance of this marker); The Façade (within shouting distance of this marker); Spanish Explorations (within shouting distance of this marker); Mission Indians (within shouting distance of this marker); Padre Luis Jayme (within shouting distance of this marker); The Campanario (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in San Diego.
Regarding Mission San Diego de Alcala. This site has been designated California Historical Landmark No. 242.
Additional commentary.
1. National Historic Landmark Statement of Significance
Completed in 1813, this church served the mission founded by Fray Junipero Serra in 1769. It was also used as an Indian school and boys' home.
— Submitted September 30, 2008, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona.
Photographed by Syd Whittle, November 27, 2005
2. California’s First Mission
Founded by Father Junipero Serra – July 1769. Reconstructed by the generous aid of the Citizens of San Diego 1931. Fully restored by the charity of the Hearst Foundation 1946. Rededicated to the Glory of God and the Salvation of Souls by its re-establishment as a parish church under the title Mission San Diego de Alcala, 1941. This plaque presented by the Ali Caravan No.134, San Diego.
The Campanario is 46 feet high and holds the Mission bells.
--The crown-topped bell on the lower right is named Ave Maria Purisima - Immaculate Mary. It weighs 805 pounds and was cast in 1802. A crowned top bell was usually supplied by the Spanish King and cast in the royal foundry in Barcelona at the King’s expense or made in a country ruled by Spain. Ave Maria Purisima was in the vestibule of St. Joseph’s church and was hung in the campanario after reconstruction of Mission San Diego in 1931
--The bell on the lower left is called Mater Dolores – Our Lady of Sorrows. It weighs 1200 pounds and was recast by the Standard Iron Works of San Diego in 1894 from bell fragments found in the vicinity of the Mission.
--The bells played an important role in the everyday life of the Mission. A sequence of tones and rhythms was developed for each occasion. They were used to announce times for Mass, work, meals, and siestas. The bells signaled danger, rang solemnly to honor the dead, and pealed joyously to celebrate feats days, weddings, and fiestas.
— Submitted September 30, 2008, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona.
Photographed by Bill Kirchner, March 31, 2015
3. Mission San Diego de Alcala Marker
Photographed by Adam Margolis, July 23, 2024
4. Mission San Diego de Alcala
Photographed by Frashers Foto
5. Mission San Diego de Alcala - Founded July 16, 1769, San Diego, Calif.
Photographed by Michael D Martin, March 11, 2010
6. Mission San Diego de Alcala
Photographed by Syd Whittle, March 18, 2006
7. Time Capsule
Preserving the history of two centuries dating from establishment of Mission San Diego de Alcala to December 31, 1969. To be opened July 16, 2069.
Credits. This page was last revised on March 31, 2026. It was originally submitted on September 30, 2008, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. This page has been viewed 10,701 times since then and 103 times this year. Last updated on January 12, 2009, by Dean Whittle of San Diego, California. Photos: 1. submitted on June 30, 2025, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. 2. submitted on September 30, 2008, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. 3. submitted on April 10, 2015, by Bill Kirchner of Tucson, Arizona. 4. submitted on August 14, 2024, by Adam Margolis of Mission Viejo, California. 5. submitted on September 30, 2008, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. 6. submitted on January 24, 2011, by Michael D Martin of Gig Harbor, Washington. 7. submitted on December 8, 2008, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona.
