San Gabriel in Los Angeles County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
Joseph Chapman’s Millrace
Photographed by Joseph Castillo, October 26, 2013
1. Joseph Chapman’s Millrace Marker
This is the location where the millrace turned due south, carrying water another 200 feet from this point into Chapman’s grist mill, built in 1822-25. The spring-fed water supply that flowed through the millrace came from two sources: Mission Lake to the northwest (now Lacy Park) and La Presa Dam to the northeast (now Sunny Slope Water Co. property). The open zanjas, or ditches, joined together on the west side of the mission quadrangle at Mission Drive. After turning the 13’ 6” diameter vertical wooden wheel which powered the mill, the expended water was led from the tailrace in open trenches to irrigate the mission garden, orange orchard, and 340 acres of rich soil that lay immediately south and east of the mill.
Erected 2013 by The Native Sons of the Golden West, Dwight A. Dutschke, Grand President & Ramona Parlor #109 San Gabriel, Joseph Claro, President.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Waterways & Vessels. In addition, it is included in the Native Sons/Daughters of the Golden West series list.
Location. 34° 5.791′ N, 118° 6.455′ W. Marker is in San Gabriel, California, in Los Angeles County. It is at the intersection
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 Mexico’s Alta California.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Chapman’s Mill and Millrace (a few steps from this marker); Los Pobladores (a few steps from this marker); Juan Bautista de Anza (within shouting distance of this marker); Mission San Gabriel Archangel / El Camino Real Door (within shouting distance of this marker); Lt. Colonel Juan Bautista de Anza (within shouting distance of this marker); A Welcome Destination (within shouting distance of this marker); Arrival of Great Rejoicing (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); San Gabriel Mission (about 300 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in San Gabriel.
Another marker is no longer nearby. Old Spanish Trail (was about 300 feet away but has been reported to have been replaced with another marker now near it).
Regarding Joseph Chapman’s Millrace. The sole remaining section of a masonry millrace built in 1823 for Chapman’s Mill was relocated and restored. Chapman’s Mill was a cornerstone of the agricultural community centered on the old mission. This 20-foot, 15-ton section of masonry waterway was relocated to Plaza Park on the grounds of the mission
Photographed by Larry Gertner
2. Joseph Chapman’s Millrace marker dedication
Also see . . .
1. Historic Chapman’s Millrace Unveiled at New Home at San Gabriel Mission. Gabrieleno-Tongva tribal members posed for a picture alongside the Chapman family Tuesday morning, just a few feet in front of the historic millrace their ancestors worked together to build nearly 200 years ago. The historic millrace, designed by ex-pirate Joseph Chapman and built in 1820 by Gabrielenos living at the San Gabriel Mission. carried water from nearby rivers to the mission to power a grist mill and irrigate crops, making the mission one of the most successful in California’s mission chain... (Submitted on December 8, 2014, by James King of San Miguel, California.)
2. Opening of the historic Chapman's millrace. The Pond Company blog. (Submitted on November 2, 2020, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.)
Photographed by Joe Castillo, October 26, 2013
3. NSGW Dedication Team
Credits. This page was last revised on February 20, 2026. It was originally submitted on December 8, 2014, by James King of San Miguel, California. This page has been viewed 863 times since then and 23 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on December 8, 2014, by James King of San Miguel, California. 2. submitted on November 2, 2020, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York. 3. submitted on December 11, 2014, by James King of San Miguel, California. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.
Editor’s want-list for this marker. Wide view photo of the marker and its surroundings showing its location in context. Verify its current location. • Can you help?
