Key Figures in the Founding of San Gabriel

José de Neve (1760–1804)

Spanish governor of Las Californias (1777–1782); considered a founder of Los Angeles and San Gabriel.

Franciscan Missionaries

Junípero Serra (1713–1784) founded Mission San Gabriel Arcángel in 1771.

Early Californio Settlers (Angeleños)

Don Antonio Yorba (1794–1858), prominent rancher and civic leader with vast San Gabriel Valley lands.

American Pioneers

Benjamin D. Wilson (1825–1901) built the first irrigation system in the valley, enabling agricultural expansion.