Mission San Rafael Arcángel Facts

Location: 1104 Fifth Ave, San Rafael, CA 94901

Year founded: 1817

Patron saint: The Archangel St. Raphael.

Founders: Fathers Sarriá, Abella, Durán and Gil y Taboada.

Native peoples: Coast Miwok, Wappo and Pomo.

Goods produced: Wheat, barley, corn, beans, peas, lentils, garbanzos, pears, grapes.

Features: Small replica chapel next to larger parish church. Three of the original bells and painting of the mission’s patron, St. Raphael, are also preserved.

Current status: Roman Catholic Parish.

Historical landmark number: California Historical Landmark no. 220.

Interesting facts: Mission San Rafael originally began as a hospital to take care of sick natives from Mission San Francisco de Asís. It was the first mission founded north of the San Francisco Bay.

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

For a more in-depth look at Mission San Rafael Arcángel, read Mission San Rafael Arcángel: The Hospital that Became a Mission.

Website: www.saintraphael.com