Ventura in Ventura County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)

San Buenaventura Mission Cross

Serra Cross

Photographed by Michael Kindig, August 18, 2007

1. San Buenaventura Mission Cross Marker

Inscription. Restored September 9, 1912 by the Alice M. Bartlett Club of San Buenaventura, California, to take the place of the Mission Cross erected on this spot by the Franciscan Missionary Padre Junipero Serra, 1782.

Erected 1912 by The Alice M. Bartlett Club. (Marker Number 113.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Notable Places • Religion & Religious Structures. In addition, it is included in the California Historical Landmarks series list. A significant historical date for this entry is September 9, 1897.

Location. 34° 17.077′ N, 119° 17.77′ W. Marker is in Ventura, California, in Ventura County. It can be reached from Father Serra Cross road 0.1 miles west of Ferro Drive. Marker is located near Grant Park. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 350 Summit Dr, Ventura CA 93001, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Greater Los Angeles,

on Central Coast,

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,

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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: Serra Cross (within shouting distance of this marker); Old County Court House (approx. ¼ mile away); San Buenaventura Mission Aqueduct (approx. ¼ mile away); San Buenaventura Mission Quadrangles (approx. ¼ mile away); Chumash Daily Life At The Mission (approx. ¼ mile away); Fray Junipero Serra (approx. ¼ mile away); Chumash People, Produce and Livestock at The Mission (approx. ¼ mile away); Mission San Buenaventura (approx. ¼ mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Ventura.

Regarding San Buenaventura Mission Cross. The first cross on the hill known as "La Loma de la Cruz," or the Hill of the Cross, was erected by Junipero Serra at the founding of the Mission San Buenaventura on March 31, 1782. This was the ninth and last mission founded by Father Serra in California. SOURCE: California Historical Landmarks, Calfiornia State Parks

Also see . . . History of the Cross. On Easter

Photographed by Michael Kindig, August 18, 2007

2. Serra Cross

Sunday, March 31, 1782, Spanish missionary, Father Junipero Serra, founded Mission San Buenaventura. Shortly after the Mission’s founding, a large wooden cross was planted on top of a hill overlooking the Mission church. This highly visible cross served as a road sign for travelers in search of the Mission. The original cross was eventually lost to the elements and replaced in the 1860s. After the second cross blew down in a storm on November 5, 1875, it was not replaced for almost 40 years. Then, on Admissions Day, September 9, in 1912, members of the E.C.O. Club, a ladies service organization, erected a new wooden cross in the current location. The E.C.O. Club was dedicated to bringing culture and a historical perspective to the frontier. (Submitted on January 4, 2012, by Michael Kindig of Elk Grove, California.)

Padre Junipero Serra Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Michael Kindig, August 18, 2007

3. Padre Junipero Serra Marker

In Memory of the 200th Anniversary of the Birth of Padre Junipero Serra, founder of the Franciscan Missions of California, who closed the labor of his useful life with the founding of the Mission of San Buenaventua, March 31, 1782. This tablet is placed by the Ventura Chamber of Commerce.

Serra Cross Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Michael Kindig, August 18, 2007

4. Serra Cross Marker

Landscaping and Masonry by Ventura Downtown Lions Club, 1964-65. Ernest N. Joyce - Project Chairman. John McDonald, Jr. - President.

Grant Park Conservancy Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Michael Kindig, August 18, 2007

5. Grant Park Conservancy Marker

In appreciation of E.J. and Myra Harrison family for their generous donation of the Grant Park Conservancy and the purchase of this historic property, December 31, 2003.

Photographed by Michael Kindig, August 18, 2007

6. Grant Park Conservancy Marker

In appreciation of the Hogan Family Foundation for their generous donation to the Grant Park Conservancy toward the purchase of this historic property, December 31, 2003.

Photographed by Michael Kindig, August 18, 2007

7. Grant Park Conservancy Marker

In appreciation of Jeff and Denise Sponseller for their generous donation to the Grant Park Conservancy toward the purchase of this historic property, December 31, 2003.

Photographed by Michael Kindig, August 18, 2007

8. Serra Cross

View of Ventura Coastline from Grant Park image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Michael Kindig, August 18, 2007

9. View of Ventura Coastline from Grant Park

Credits. This page was last revised on November 9, 2023. It was originally submitted on December 28, 2011, by Michael Kindig of Elk Grove, California. This page has been viewed 1,800 times since then and 59 times this year. It was the Marker of the Week August 31, 2025. Photos: 1. submitted on December 28, 2011, by Michael Kindig of Elk Grove, California. 2. submitted on January 3, 2012, by Michael Kindig of Elk Grove, California. 3, 4. submitted on December 28, 2011, by Michael Kindig of Elk Grove, California. 5, 6, 7, 8, 9. submitted on January 3, 2012, by Michael Kindig of Elk Grove, California. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.