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You are here: Home / Mission San Rafael Arcángel Facts

Mission San Rafael Arcángel Facts

Location: 1104 Fifth Ave, San Rafael, CA 94901

Date founded: December 14, 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.

Important events:

  • October 19, 1822: San Rafael Asistencia is officially raised to mission status.
  • February, 1829: Ex-mission Indians under the leadership of Marino and Quintin attack the mission.
  • 1846: U.S. Army Capt. John C. Frémont uses mission as headquarters during Mexican-American War.
  • 1855: U.S. Government restores 6 1/2 acres to the Catholic Church.

Website: www.saintraphael.com

More about Mission San Rafael Arcángel:

San Rafael Arcángel: The Hospital That Became a Mission

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

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