How Mission San Diego de Alcalá Generated Revenue

As the first Alta California mission (1769), San Diego de Alcalá sustained itself through diversified enterprises:

1. Farming & Agriculture: Wheat, corn, beans, vineyards (wine). Sold to settlements and traders.
2. Cattle Ranching: Vast herds on grazing lands; beef, hides, tallow exported to Mexico, Europe, and local markets.
3. Craft Production: Indigenous artisans made textiles, pottery, candles, furniture for sale.
4. Religious Services: Tithes and donations from parishioners for sacraments and instruction.
5. Trade & Commerce: Barter with other missions, settlements, and Native groups for needed goods.
6. Benefactor Donations: Wealthy patrons in Mexico, Spain, and Europe supported the mission’s religious work.

This mixed economy made the mission a regional economic hub.