Mission San Diego

 (1769-1834) - A Spanish mission established in 1769 by Father Junipero Serra in present day San Diego, San Diego County, California. Associated with the Presidio of San Diego. Named for Catholic Saint Didacus. Secularized in 1834. Also known as Mission San Diego de Alcala.

The Spanish Period (1769-1821)


The Mission San Diego was founded on 16 Jul 1769, by Junipero Serra, as the 1st of twenty-one Spanish missions founded in California. The Mission was originally located close to the Presidio of San Diego on Presidio Hill but was relocated to the current location in 1774. The relocation away from the military authority of the Presidio was designed to overcome the fears of the Indian population and increase conversions. The success of the relocation set the pattern for other missions.

The mission was destroyed in November 1775 by hostile Indians who also murdered Father Luis Jaime and two others.

The current church is the third one built on this site and it was built in 1813.

Mexican Period (1822-1846)
Mission San Diego was secularized in 1834, the two priests became mere tenants and the mission buildings began a long period of neglect.

The American Period (1846-Present)


The Mission property was used as a U.S. Army post between 1853 and 1858 by various artillery and infantry units. The church building was even used as a barracks for the troops.

Mission San Diego was returned to the Catholic Church on 23 May 1862 by a proclamation signed by President Abraham Lincoln. Copies of the land survey and the proclamation returning the Mission to the Church can be seen in the Mission Museum.

Current Status
A restored mission and an active parish church in San Diego, San Diego County, California. The current mission buildings were restored in 1931.

Sources:

Links:
 * Wikipedia - Mission San Diego
 * Mission San Diego
 * Mission History
 * Missions of California