San Gabriel in Los Angeles County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
A Welcome Destination
San Gabriel Mission
Photographed by Craig Baker, March 24, 2025
1. San Gabriel Mission Marker
In the early 19th century, indigenous peoples' trails were forged into a viable trade and emigrant route between the Mexican territories of Nuevo Mexico and Alta California. In the fall of 1829, Antonio Armijo led a caravan of 60 men and pack mules with textile from Santa Fe to the San Gabriel Mission. In January 1830, he returned to New Mexico with many horses and mules. For the first time, an overland trade route was established between the Rio Grande Valley and the Pacific Coast.
Between 1829 and 1848, annual pack caravans traveled the arduous routes across mountains and deserts. Trades brought woolen goods from New Mexico and returned with highly prized California mules and horses.
Painting by Ferdinand Deep - Mission San Gabriel, circa 1830.
Courtesy of Santa Barbara Mission Archive Library
Erected by Mission San Gabriel.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Religion & Religious Structures • Settlements & Settlers.
Location. 34° 5.794′ N, 118° 6.404′ W. Marker is in San Gabriel,
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in Greater Los Angeles and in the Transverse 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 Mexicos Alta California.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Arrival of Great Rejoicing (here, next to this marker); Mission San Gabriel Archangel / El Camino Real Door (a few steps from this marker); Lt. Colonel Juan Bautista de Anza (a few steps from this marker); San Gabriel Mission (a few steps from this marker); a different marker also named San Gabriel Mission (a few steps from this marker); Juan Bautista de Anza (within shouting distance of this marker); 1776 Overland Immigration Expedition (within
Photographed by Craig Baker, March 24, 2025
2. San Gabriel Mission Marker
Another marker is no longer nearby. Old Spanish Trail (was here, next to this marker but has been reported to have been replaced with another marker now near it).
Photographed by Craig Baker, March 24, 2025
3. San Gabriel Mission
Photographed by Craig Baker, March 24, 2025
4. San Gabriel Mission
Photographed by Craig Baker, March 24, 2025
5. San Gabriel Mission
250th Anniversary in 2022.
Photographed by Craig Baker, March 24, 2025
6. San Gabriel Mission
Devastating fire in July 2020.
Carlton Watkins collection/UCLA, circa 1882
7. San Gabriel Mission - 1882
Credits. This page was last revised on February 23, 2026. It was originally submitted on February 20, 2026, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. This page has been viewed 44 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on February 20, 2026, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. 7. submitted on February 23, 2026, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California.
