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You are here: Home / Mission San Carlos Borromeo Facts

Mission San Carlos Borromeo Facts

Location: 3080 Rio Rd, Carmel-By-The-Sea, CA 93923

Date founded: June 3, 1770

Patron saint: St. Charles Borromeo.

Founder: Fr. Junípero Serra.

Native peoples: Esselen, Rumsen — also known as Costanoan.

Goods produced: Wheat, barley, corn, beans, vegetables.

Features: Original stone church walls and bell tower, quarried from the Santa Lucia Mountains, star window, mudéjar style church with curved interior nave walls.

Current status: Roman Catholic Parish.

Historical landmark number: California Historical Landmark no. 135, National Historical Landmark.

Interesting facts: The mission houses the tomb of Junípero Serra. The museum has one of the most extensive collections of mission-period items in California.

Important events:

  • August 28, 1784: Fr. Junípero Serra died at the mission.
  • September 18, 1786: French explorer Jean François de la Pérouse visits the mission. He later wrote a description of his visit that was very negative
  • 1792 and 1793: British explorer George Vancouver visits the mission.
  • 1859: President James Buchanan restores the mission ruins to the Catholic Church.
  • July 3, 1884: Fr. Angelo Casanova organizes the identification of the remains of Fr. Serra

Daily life: Daily life at Mission San Carlos Borromeo was very similar to life at other missions. You can learn more about daily life at the missions here.

Website: www.carmelmission.org

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