San Juan Capistrano in Orange County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)

Old Mission Cemetery

Photographed by Adam Margolis, June 2, 2022

1. Old Mission Cemetery Marker

Inscription. Situated on this hill, located between the two rivers of the Capistrano Valley, is this sacred and consecrated ground. From this hilltop, the ocean, Mission, and town can be seen. It is a perfect resting place for San Juan Capistrano's historic families. This cemetery dates back to the 1860's and was sold to the Catholic Church by James Sheehan, soon after his wife Ann's death in 1878. Native Acjachemen/Juaneno families from the early Rancho period, and later settlers to this Valley are buried here. On the headstones can be seen the names of those historic families who have been, and who still are, a part of San Juan Capistrano's rich history. This cemetery is owned by the Diocese of Orange and is operated by Mission San Juan Capistrano.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Cemeteries & Burial Sites • Exploration • Indigenous Peoples and Communities • Religion & Religious Structures • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical year for this entry is 1878.

Location. 33° 30.206′ N, 117° 39.395′ W. Marker is in San Juan Capistrano, California, in Orange County. It can be reached

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from Avenida Los Cerritos north of Ortega Highway (California Route 74), on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 31642 Ave Los Cerritos, San Juan Capistrano CA 92675, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Greater Los Angeles

and in the 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: Jose Francisco Ortega Building (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Capistrano Home Like Mission at Old Town (about 400 feet away); Don Gaspar de Portola Building (about 400 feet away); Chief Clarence Lobo Building (about 400 feet away); Don Jose Antonio Yorba Building (about 500 feet away); Don Juan Avila Building (about 600 feet away); Feliciano Rios Building (about 700 feet away); Don Juan Forester Building

Photographed by Adam Margolis, June 2, 2022

2. Old Mission Cemetery Marker

Marker can be seen to the right of the gate.

(approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in San Juan Capistrano.

The Old Mission Cemetery image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Adam Margolis, June 2, 2022

3. The Old Mission Cemetery

Photographed by Adam Margolis, June 2, 2022

4. The Old Mission Cemetery

Dedication plaque image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Adam Margolis, June 2, 2022

5. Dedication plaque

<i>Portrait of Luis L. Cojo, painter of grave markers at Mission San Juan Capistrano cemetery</i> image. Click for full size.

courtesy of USC Libraries, California Historical Society under CC 3.0 license, circa 1907

6. Portrait of Luis L. Cojo, painter of grave markers at Mission San Juan Capistrano cemetery

Credits. This page was last revised on June 10, 2022. It was originally submitted on June 2, 2022, by Adam Margolis of Mission Viejo, California. This page has been viewed 4,512 times since then and 410 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on June 2, 2022, by Adam Margolis of Mission Viejo, California. 6. submitted on June 10, 2022. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.