Near Oceanside in San Diego County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
Missions in Baja California
Jesuits 1683-1767
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Dominicans 1773-1855
Photographed by Craig Baker, March 11, 2022
1. Missions Marker - Jesuits 1683-1767
Jesuits
• Founded 19 missions in Baja California over a 70 year period.
• Nuestra Señora de Loreto de Conchó (1697) was the first permanent Jesuit mission, founded by Father Juan Ma. de Salvatierra.
• The Jesuits were influential in shaping the development of the Baja California peninsula by evangelizing and introducing cultural practices. The fathers changed the lives of the indigenous people, creating an economic system that helped sustain the missions.
Founders
Father Eusebio Kino - He was the first to convince the Spanish authorities to evangelize and colonize the Baja California peninsula.
Father Juan Ma. de Salvatierra - His faith inspired the missionaries to establish the first missions and towns in the Baja California peninsula.
Father Juan de Ugarte - Is recognized by historians as a pillar in the development of the Californias and the 'Father of Agriculture'. He brought and spread the practices of agriculture, livestock breeding, construction and textiles to the Californias.
Dominicans
• Founded 9 missions in Baja California over an 82 year period.
this page online
The Dominicans took control of the uninhabited and deteriorating Jesuit missions in Baja California, and established new missions to the north to supply goods and help secure the Franciscan missions in California.
Founders
Father Vicente Mora - President of the Dominican Order in California.
Father Francisco Palóu (Franciscan) - Established the 'Mojonera de Palóu' which was the frontier boundary between the Franciscans and the Dominicans mission jurisdictions.
Father Luis Sales - Established the frontier 22km (14 miles) north of that of Palóu. It is located at Arroyo El Descanso, 25 Km (15 miles) south of Tijuana. One of the few Dominicans who wrote testimonials about his work in the peninsula in his book "News of the California Province".
Erected 2007 by CalTrans.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Agriculture • Religion & Religious Structures • Settlements & Settlers.
Location. 33° 16.322′ N, 117° 26.643′ W.
Photographed by Craig Baker, March 11, 2022
2. Missions Marker - Dominicans 1773-1855
Regionally, this marker is in the Peninsular Ranges. It is also in the American Borderlands and on the Pacific Coast. Globally, it is in North America, on the Ring of Fire, on 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 5 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Missions (a few steps from this marker); El Camino Real Guidepost Bells (approx. half a mile away); Las Flores Adobe (approx. 2.1 miles away); Las Flores Asistencia (approx. 2.2 miles away); Las Flores View Point (approx. 3.7 miles away); El Camino Real Bell (approx. 4.4 miles away); Retreat Hell! (approx.
Photographed by Craig Baker, March 11, 2022
3. Missions Marker - Jesuits
Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker.
Photographed by Craig Baker, March 11, 2022
4. Missions Marker - Dominicans
Photographed by Tom Bosse, September 5, 2026
5. Missions in Baja California Marker - Jesuits 1683-1767
Credits. This page was last revised on September 29, 2026. It was originally submitted on May 11, 2022, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. This page has been viewed 597 times since then and 73 times this year. Last updated on September 26, 2026, by Tom Bosse of Jefferson City, Tennessee. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on May 11, 2022, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. 5. submitted on September 26, 2026, by Tom Bosse of Jefferson City, Tennessee. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.
