U. S. Mission Trail / The Mission Trail Today - The Spanish Missions in California
Slide Show This site is owned, designed, and operated by Kenneth A. Larson who has over a quarter century of experience in design and construction of scenery for the Entertainment Industry and Theme Parks using Computer Aided and Traditional approaches to Design. Ken also has experience in other areas of Design.
Select photographs of my many visits to The Missions of the United States South and Southwest built by Spain and Mexico between 1565 and 1823.
All photographs taken by Kenneth A. Larson. All rights reserved. © 2008 - 2013.

Explanation.

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#1 San Diego Royal Presidio
Founded
by Father Junípero Serra (verify)

Personal Observations

It took two attempts to find the Royal Presidio in San Diego on Presidio Hill above Old Town. The Serra Museum adjacent to the site holds displays on the Presidio. Photo-Art
Mission Art & Photo-Art

History

On May 17, 1769, soldiers, sailers, Native Americans, and Franciscan Missionaries founded a military outpost on what is today called Presidio Hill. Two months later, Father Junipero Serra established Mission San Diego, the first mission in Alta California on the hill. The mission was later moved to its present site, then returned to the hill and then back to the second site where it remains to the present. The site was officially proclaimed a Royal Presidio on January 1, 1774. A succession of Mexican forces, abandoned in 1837 when San Diego became a pueblo, and now serves as a city park with the Serra Museum to commemorate the Presidio and Mission San Diego.

The site is California Registered Historical Landmark Number 59.

The site is a short walk east of Old Town San Diego. Access to the site can be made from Taylor Street or Juan Street.

Address and Directions


Site map
Site map.

Photography Gallery




Mission San Diego began on Presidio Hill near modern day Old Town. The Serra Museum site aside the original Presidio location and interprets the site.

Marker beside the parking lot.


The cross is about the center of the site. Photo date: 5-8-05.
Cross Cross
Cross at the location of the first mission. Photo Date: 1-11-04.

Cross
Cross at the location of the first mission. Photo Date: 1-11-04.

The cross in 2022.


Inside the walls of the Presidio looing west.

Presidio sign.

Photo date: 5-8-05.
Statue to the Indians who helped build the mission.

Statue to Indians Statue to Indians
Statue to commemorate the Indians who helped build the missions. Photo Date: 1-11-04.

This tower is at the south corner. Photo date: 5-14-06.



Today a garden wall follows the approximate location of the original wall. This scene is just inside the southeast wall opposite the parking lot.

Northeast corner.

Southeast side, looking southwest acros the road toward the parking lot. .

Northwest corner.

This is the area northwest of the road.

North wall.

West side.
Today a garden wall follows the approximate location of the original wall.



A time capsule to e opened in 2069, the 300th anniversary of the founding of the Presidio and Mission (if its location isn't lost).
new 2022...





Southwest corner.

West corner.

West corner.


Southwest corner.

West corner.

West corner.

Outside the west wall.


Southwest corner.


Southwest side.

South side.

South corner.

Southeast side looking along the outside of the wall toward the parking lot.






... end new




Today cactus gardens beautify the site.
Today cactus gardens beautify the site.


Serra Museum in the distance.
The Serra Museum contains exhibits on the Mission and Presidio as well as art.

presidio links here

Sources:

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This page last updated: Friday, 13-May-2022 23:20:32 CDT
Note:This is not the official site for any of the places shown in US Mission Trail. US Mission Trail is not responsible for accuracy of the information. Hours of operations, prices, and exhibits are subject to change without notice.

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I hope that you find this web site helpful. It started because of my love for the California Missions and interest in History and a desire to share my photographs and tales of my adventures. I don't allow paid advertising. This web site is for your benefit and enjoyment and I make no profit on it. For twenty years it has been supported primarily from my regular paycheck as a Set Designer. A non-tax deductable donation helps cover the cost of operating this web site and may be made to Kesign Design Consulting through PayPal.
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