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You are here: Home / Mission San Diego de Alcalá Facts

Mission San Diego de Alcalá Facts

Mission San Diego de Alcalá

Location: 10818 San Diego Mission Rd, San Diego, CA 92108

Date founded: July 16, 1769

Patron saint: St. Didacus of Alcalá

Founder: Fr. Junípero Serra

Native peoples: Kumeyaay (Ipai/Tipai — also known as Diegueño).

Goods produced: Wheat, barley, corn, beans, peas, lentils, garbanzos and fava beans.

Features: A unique pair of buttresses jut out from the façade alongside a distinctive espadaña tower containing five bells.

Current status: Roman Catholic Parish.

Historical landmark number: Historical Landmark No. 242. National Historical Landmark.

Interesting facts: The mission was burnt down by Kumeyaay warriors in 1775.  It was was occupied by the U.S. Army from 1847 to 1857.

Important dates:

  • 1774: Original mission site on Presidio Hill was moved to the present location.
  • November 5, 1775: Indians attack Mission San Diego and kill Fr. Luis Jayme and two other people.
  • 1803 and 1812: The mission building was damaged by earthquakes. A new church was dedicated on November 12, 1813, which incorporated buttresses to make it stronger.
  • 1847: The US Army occupied the mission compound and turned the church into a barracks.
  • 1862: President Lincoln formally restored 22 acres of the mission property to the Catholic Church.

Website: www.missionsandiego.org

I’m Dr. Damian Bacich, and I started the California Frontier Project. Learn more about me and the project here.

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