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

Kiicha

Native Dwelling

Photographed by Craig Baker, March 11, 2026

1. Kiicha Marker

Inscription.
What and Where is the Kiicha?
The kiicha has been removed for repairs. The local tribe, the Juaneño Band of Mission Indians, Acjachemen Nation, will work with the Mission to re-install a new kiicha this next year. Please join us later in the year to see the finished product.

The Native Americans of the Orange County region call themselves the Acjachemen (A-HAWSH-eh-men) Nation. The Acjachemen Nation have lived prosperously for more than 10,000 years on the coastlands of Orange County. The Acjachemen Nation and culture continue to thrive even today.

A native Acjachemen dwelling is called kiicha, which means, "home" in their language. It is a dome shaped structure made of willow branches and tule, also called bulrush (similar to cattail). On the center floor area, a fire could be built and the smoke would exit the hole in the center of the roof. A family could sit or sleep around the fire on woven mats and used animal skins for blankets.

Villages consisted of 50-250 people, and they worked together to keep the community functioning. Men hunted, fished, tanned hides for

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leather, and made tools. Women made clothing, baskets, gathered food, prepared meals, stored food, and cared for the young.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Indigenous Peoples and Communities.

Location. 33° 30.149′ N, 117° 39.765′ W. Marker is in San Juan Capistrano, California, in Orange County. It can be reached from the intersection of Old Mission Road and Camino Capistrano. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 26801 Old Mission Rd, 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: Olive Mill (a few steps from this marker); Metalworking Furnaces

Kiicha Location and Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Craig Baker, March 11, 2026

2. Kiicha Location and Marker

(a few steps from this marker); The Founding Documents of Mission San Juan Capistrano (within shouting distance of this marker); San Juan Capistrano Mission (within shouting distance of this marker); Fr. Serra’s Church (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Mission San Juan Capistrano (within shouting distance of this marker); Historic Mission Cemetery (within shouting distance of this marker); The Great Stone Church (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in San Juan Capistrano.

Another marker is no longer nearby. Mission San Juan Capistrano (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been confirmed missing).

Bedrock Mortars image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Craig Baker, March 11, 2026

3. Bedrock Mortars

Photographed by Craig Baker, March 11, 2026

4. Bedrock Mortars

Credits. This page was last revised on April 20, 2026. It was originally submitted on April 20, 2026, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. This page has been viewed 15 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on April 20, 2026, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California.