Mission San Diego de Alcalá: 10 Key Facts About California's First Mission

Founding & Early History

1. First of 21: Founded July 16, 1769 by Fr. Junípero Serra (Franciscans)
2. Named for: St. Didacus of Alcalá (San Diego de Alcalá), Spanish Franciscan saint
3. Original Site: Presidio Park (near Old Town); moved 1774 to current site (better water, less conflict)

Architecture & Layout

4. Current Church: Rebuilt 1813–1815 (adobe, tile roof) after 1803 earthquake damage
5. Complex: Church, convento (friars' quarters), workshops, neophyte housing, kitchen, granary, cemetery, gardens
6. Bell Wall (Campanario): Iconic 5-bell façade (1800s)

Native People

7. Kumeyaay (Diegueño): Primary group; thousands converted, taught farming, crafts, music
8. Resistance: 1775 attack destroyed first mission; leaders executed

Secularization & Restoration

9. 1834: Mexican secularization → land granted to private owners; mission declined
10. 1862: Returned to Catholic Church by US government (Lincoln)
11. 20th c.: Major restoration; now active parish, California Historical Landmark #242, NHL

Today

Active Catholic parish; daily Mass, museum, gift shop, gardens, annual Festival of the Bells. "Mother of the Missions."