San Juan Capistrano in Orange County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
San Juan Capistrano Mission
Photographed by Michael Kindig, May 2, 2001
1. San Juan Capistrano Mission Marker
Founded in 1776 by Padre Junipero Serra. The seventeenth in the chain of twenty-one missions established in Alta California to Christianize and civilize the Indians. Stone church destroyed in 1812 earthquake. Expropriated during Mexican rule. Returned to Catholic church in 1865 by proclamation of President Abraham Lincoln.
Erected by California State Park Commission. (Marker Number 200.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Religion & Religious Structures. In addition, it is included in the California Historical Landmarks, and the Former U.S. Presidents: #16 Abraham Lincoln series lists. A significant historical year for this entry is 1776.
Location. 33° 30.123′ N, 117° 39.768′ W. Marker is in San Juan Capistrano, California, in Orange County. It is at the intersection of Camino Capistrano (State Highway 74) and Ortega Highway on Camino Capistrano. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 31882 Camino Capistrano, 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 Mexicos Alta California.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: A different marker also named Mission San Juan Capistrano (within shouting distance of this marker); Metalworking Furnaces (within shouting distance of this marker); The Founding Documents of Mission San Juan Capistrano
this page online
Another marker is no longer nearby. Mission San Juan Capistrano (was a few steps from this marker but has been confirmed missing).
More about this marker. This site is California Historical Landmark No. 200, and listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
The plaque has been moved into storage for safekeeping.
An Orange County plaque was installed nearby in 2017.
Also see . . .
1. Mission San Juan Capistrano. Mission website homepage:
Mission San Juan Capistrano became the seventh of twenty-one missions to be founded in Alta California. Like the previous six missions, San Juan Capistrano was established to expand the territorial boundaries of Spain, and to spread Christianity
Photographed by Michael Kindig, May 2, 2001
2. San Juan Capistrano Mission Marker
2. St. Josephs Day and Return of the Swallows Celebration. As the faithful little birds wing their way back to the most famous Mission in California, the village of San Juan Capistrano takes on a fiesta air and the visitors from all the parts of the world, and all walks of life, gather in great numbers to witness the "miracle" of the return of the swallows. (Submitted on December 3, 2011.)
Photographed by Michael Kindig, March 28, 2002
3. San Juan Capistrano Mission and Marker
Photographed by Craig Baker, April 14, 2020
4. San Juan Capistrano Mission
The marker was removed and placed in storage when the street was widened.
courtesy Dexter Press, Inc., circa 1974
5. Mission San Juan Capistrano
Entrance to the "Jewel of the Missions" located in the picturesque town of San Juan Capistrano approximately midway between Los Angeles and San Diego in Orange County.
courtesy Pacific Novelty Co., San Francisco
6. San Juan Capistrano Mission, California
circa 1970's
7. Mission San Juan Capistrano
The Sacred Garden with fountain back of Campanario or bell wall, is situated between the Great Stone Church and the original rectory. Originally the bells were in the church before the earthquake in 1812. They were moved to the present site in 1813. The two larger bells were cast in Spain in 1796 and the smaller ones in 1804.
circa 1970's
8. Altar in Serra Chapel
The Altar came from Barcelona, Spain, and is judged to be over 300 years old. The chapel is not only the oldest part of the Mission, but is the oldest building in the State.
circa 1970's
9. Swallows Nests
In the upper arches and crevises of the ruins of the great Stone Church the swallows of Capistrano build their little mud nests.
Credits. This page was last revised on March 31, 2026. It was originally submitted on December 2, 2011, by Michael Kindig of Elk Grove, California. This page has been viewed 2,517 times since then and 117 times this year. Last updated on December 6, 2011, by Michael Kindig of Elk Grove, California. Photos: 1. submitted on April 7, 2022. 2, 3. submitted on December 2, 2011, by Michael Kindig of Elk Grove, California. 4. submitted on April 16, 2022, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. 5, 6, 7, 8, 9. submitted on December 3, 2011. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.
