Building Mission San Luis Rey de Francia: 55 Years, Three Churches

Mission San Luis Rey de Francia (Oceanside, CA) took 55 years (1798–1853) to reach its final form—built in three phases:

1. 1798–1802: Original church completed; destroyed by 1812 earthquake.
2. 1815–1831: Second church built; damaged by 1838 earthquake.
3. 1839–1853: Third (current) church completed—stands today as a National Historic Landmark.

Known as "King of the Missions" for its size and agricultural output, it remains an active parish and museum.