Imagine California’s first mission. That’s Mission San Diego de Alcalá. Founded in 1769 by Saint Junípero Serra, it marked the start of the Alta California mission chain.
Originally, Mission San Diego stood on a hill overlooking the bay. A drought in 1774 forced a relocation. The mission moved six miles inland. This placed it closer to the San Diego River and Kumeyaay villages.
The native Tipai-Ipai Indians resisted colonization. Violence erupted shortly after the mission’s founding. In 1775, the Tipai Indians attacked. They damaged the mission and killed Father Jayme. He became California’s first Christian Martyr. He is buried in the Mission Sanctuary.
Mission San Diego was rebuilt. It followed army fort specifications. As the mission grew, a larger church was needed. Miguel Blanco designed the building. Its striking windows were high for defense. They also supported the adobe walls. Buttresses were added in 1811 to withstand earthquakes.
One striking feature is the campanario. This bell wall holds five bells. The largest bell is Mater Dolorosa. It weighs 1200 pounds. Bells announced mass, work, meals, and danger.
Father Serra’s legacy lives on. La Casa de Padre Serra was built in 1774. It is believed that this room is the only original one to survive Indian attacks and natural disasters.
Mission San Diego’s military past is eventful. The American military occupied the mission beginning in 1846. President Abraham Lincoln returned it to the Catholic Church in 1862.
In 1797, Mission San Diego saw significant growth. Baptisms increased and the land expanded. Vineyards, orchards, and gardens thrived. The mission owned thousands of sheep, cattle, and horses.
The Mission San Diego lands were restored to the Church in 1862. The present church became a minor basilica in 1976. Today, Mission San Diego de Alcalá serves as an active parish. It is a cultural center for all.
El Camino Real begins at Mission San Diego. It stretches 600 miles to Sonoma. It connects all 21 California missions.