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This site is owned, designed, and operated by Kenneth A. Larson who has over a quarter century of experience in design and construction of scenery for the Entertainment Industry and Theme Parks using Computer Aided and Traditional approaches to Design. Ken also has experience in other areas of Design.
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Select photographs of my many visits to The Missions of the United States South and Southwest built by Spain and Mexico between 1565 and 1823.
All photographs taken by Kenneth A. Larson. All rights reserved. © 2008 - 2010.
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#1, San Diego de Alcalá.
Founded July 16, 1769
by Father Junipero Serra.
San Diego.
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Personal Observations
This mission holds a special place for me as I always wanted to attend mass at a mission and San Diego was the first time I was able to do so. The first time I visited this mission was so long ago, I can't remember much. These photos are from two recent visits in 2002 and 2004. The visit in 2002, we were pressed for time, but in 2004 we
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Mission Art & Photo-Art
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took the time to explore more. In the 2004 visit, we also drove about six miles north to see the mission dam. A few photos here were take nduring a quick stop in 2005. In 2004, and 2005, we visited the original mission site on Presidio Hill. While being the first mission built in California, San Diego is not currently the largest and the design is simpler than some later missions.
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History
San Diego de Alcalá was the first mission built in Alto California. It was established on Presidio Hill near modern day Old Town on July 16, 1769. Later it moved six miles east because of conflicts between the native people and the soldiers at the Presidio. Following an attack on the mission, it returned to Presidio Hill for eight months, then returned to the second location where it has been ever since.
The Native Americans were slow to accept the Spanish. In November 1776, 800 men from various tribes attacked, burned, and looted the mission at the second location. Eight months later, the mission was rebuilt as a full quadrangle, larger than the original.
Because the land was difficult to till and the water was not always plentiful, San Diego de Alcalá was always one of the poorest. In time the mission became more prosperous and 1797 was its most successful year. The mission controledl 50,000 acres. Agricultural products included corn, wheat, barley, kidney beans and chick peas, wine grapes, and vegetables. The mission owned 20,000 sheep, 10,000 cattle, and 1250 horses.
Following secularization in 1834, the building were sold and fell into disrepair. The US Army occupied the site from 1850-1862, using the church as a stable. The mission and 22 acres were returned to the Catholic church in 1862. Restoration began in 1931 at which time only a facade was still standing. The mission is still in use as a parish. It is one of three missions that is a basilica.
Usually two priests were assigned to a mission, one in charge of administration, the other responsible for the religious education of the indigenous people.
San Diego de Alcalá eventually established Mission Santa Ysabel as an asistencia mission about 60 miles north-east. An asistencia mission was an extension or sub-mission and Mission Santa Ysabel was one of two extension missions in the San Diego District.
Address and Directions
10818 San Diego Mission Road
San Diego CA
San Diego de Alcala is about six miles east of Old Town San Diego.
From Interstate 8: Exit I-8 at Mission Gorge Road north, turn left at Twain which becomes San Diego Mission Road.
From Interstate 15: Exit I-15 at Friars Road east, turn right at Rancho Mission Road, left on San Diego Mission Road.
The mission is open daily and regular masses are celebrated.
Photography Gallery
Front. Fifth church. 1-11-04.
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Church. 1-11-04.
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Support this Web Site
This web site started because of my love for the Spanish Missions in the United States. This web site is for your benefit and I make no profit on it. I don't allow paid advertising. This site is supported primarily from my regular paycheck as a Set Designer and there haven' been many this year. My wife sells Gold Canyon products at www.valleygirlcandles.com and I sell art at www.klimages.com. A non-tax deductable donation to help cover the cost of operating this web site may be made to Kesign Design Consulting through PayPal ...
Or, donations can be mailed to the address on the contact page.
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This site began as a light hearted alternative to my commercial design portfolio site. This site's only purpose is for your enjoyment. If you are in the need of a designer, please check my commercial site www.kesigndesign.com.
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Copyright © 2003 - 2009, Kenneth A. Larson. All Rights Reserved.
Website content including photographic and graphic images may not be redistributed for use on another website.
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This page last updated: Thursday, 17-Sep-2009 23:42:51 CDT
