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

Mission San Diego de Alcala

Photographed By Syd Whittle, November 27, 2005

1. Mission San Diego de Alcala Marker

Inscription. On Sunday, July 16, 1769 Fathers Junipero Serra, Juan Viscaino and Fernando Parron raised and blessed a cross to establish Alta, California’s 1st Mission. Relocated from Presidio Hill to this site in August 1774 the Mission was the mother of those founded in California by the Franciscan Order. The present buildings, first completed in 1813 were rebuilt in stages from 1915 to 1931 after many years of deterioration. They have been in use as a parish church since February 1941.

Erected 1959 by The State Department of Parks and Recreation in cooperation with the Diocese of San Diego and Squibob Chapter E Clampus Vitus, Sunday July 16, 1959. (Marker Number 242.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Churches & Religion • Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the California Historical Landmarks, the E Clampus Vitus, and the National Historic Landmarks series lists. A significant historical date for this entry is July 16, 1769.

Location. 32° 47.056′ N, 117° 6.377′ W. Marker is in San Diego, California, in San Diego County. Marker is mounted on the front of the main Mission building. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 10818 San Diego Mission Road, San Diego CA 92108, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 5 miles of

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this marker, measured as the crow flies. El Camino Real (here, next to this marker); The Campanario (within shouting distance of this marker); La Playa Trail (within shouting distance of this marker); The Church (within shouting distance of this marker); San Diego State University (approx. 2 miles away); The Freedom Tree (approx. 3.9 miles away); 1915-16 Isthmus (Fun Zone) (approx. 4.1 miles away); Balboa Park Carousel (approx. 4.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in San Diego.

Regarding Mission San Diego de Alcala. This site has been designated as California Registered Historical Landmark No.242

Additional commentary.
1. National Historic Landmark - Statement of Significance (as of designation-April 15, 1970)
Completed in 1813, this church served the mission founded by Fray Junipero Serra in 1769. It was also used as an Indian school and boys' home

— Submitted September 30, 2008, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona.

2. The Campanario --See Photos #4 and #5
The Campanario is 46 feet high and holds the Mission bells.
--The crown-topped bell on the lower right is named Ave Maria Purisima - Immaculate

California’s First Mission image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Syd Whittle, November 27, 2005

2. California’s First Mission

Founded By Father Junipero Serra – July 1769 Reconstructed by the generous aid of the Citizens of San Diego 1931 Fully restored by the charity of the Hearst Foundation 1946 Rededicated to the Glory of God and the Salvation of Souls by its re-establishment as a parish church under the title Mission San Diego de Alcala. 1941 This plaque presented by the Ali Caravan No.134, San Diego

Mary. It weighs 805 pounds and was cast in 1802. A crowned top bell was usually supplied by the Spanish King and cast in the royal foundry in Barcelona at the King’s expense or made in a country ruled by Spain. Ave Maria Purisima was in the vestibule of St. Joseph’s church and was hung in the campanario after reconstruction of Mission San Diego in 1931
--The bell on the lower left is called Mater Dolores – Our Lady of Sorrows. It weighs 1200 pounds and was recast by the Standard Iron Works of San Diego in 1894 from bell fragments found in the vicinity of the Mission.
--The bells played an important role in the everyday life of the Mission. A sequence of tones and rhythms was developed for each occasion. They were used to announce times for Mass, work, meals, and siestas. The bells signaled danger, rang solemnly to honor the dead, and pealed joyously to celebrate feats days, weddings, and fiestas.

— Submitted September 30, 2008, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona.

Photographed By Bill Kirchner, March 31, 2015

3. Mission San Diego de Alcala Marker

marker is just to the right of the door.

Mission San Diego de Alcala image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Syd Whittle, November 27, 2005

4. Mission San Diego de Alcala

The Campanario image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Syd Whittle, November 27, 2005

5. The Campanario

Vintage Postcard - San Diego Mission, California Founded 1769 image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Edw H. Mitchell at San Francisco

6. Vintage Postcard - San Diego Mission, California Founded 1769

Mission San Diego de Alcala-Founded July 16, 1769, San Diego, Calif. image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Frashers Foto

7. Mission San Diego de Alcala-Founded July 16, 1769, San Diego, Calif.

Photographed By Bill Kirchner, March 31, 2015

8. Mission San Diego de Alcala

Mission San Diego de Alcala - San Diego, California image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Frasher Foto

9. Mission San Diego de Alcala - San Diego, California

Photographed By Michael D Martin, March 11, 2010

10. Mission San Diego de Alcala

Photographed By Michael D Martin, March 11, 2010

11. Mission San Diego de Alcala

Time Capsule on Mission Grounds image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Syd Whittle, March 18, 2006

12. Time Capsule on Mission Grounds

Preserving the History Of Two Centuries Dating From Establishment of Mission San Diego de Alcala December 31, 1969 To Be Opened July 16, 2069

Credits. This page was last revised on November 7, 2019. It was originally submitted on September 30, 2008, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. This page has been viewed 9,820 times since then and 63 times this year. Last updated on January 12, 2009, by Dean Whittle of San Diego, California. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on September 30, 2008, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. 3. submitted on April 10, 2015, by Bill Kirchner of Tucson, Arizona. 4, 5, 6, 7. submitted on September 30, 2008, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. 8. submitted on April 10, 2015, by Bill Kirchner of Tucson, Arizona. 9. submitted on September 30, 2008, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. 10, 11. submitted on January 24, 2011, by Michael D Martin of Gig Harbor, Washington. 12. submitted on December 8, 2008, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona.