Mission San Rafael Arcangel

Mission San Rafael Arcangel (1817-1833) - A Spanish mission established as an asistencia (sub-mission) of the Mission San Francisco de Asis in 1817 by Father Vicente De Sarria in present day San Rafael, Marin County, California. Later raised to full mission status in 1823 and associated with the Presidio of San Francisco. Secularized in 1833.

Mission San Rafael Arcangel	Mission San Rafael Arcangel Interior
	Mission San Rafael Arcangel Interior

The Spanish Period (1769-1821)

The Spanish period began in California with the building of Mission San Diego de Alcala, and the Presidio of San Diego in 1769. The Spanish Presidio provided a support system for the attached missions that included military troops. The mission provided provided a complete community for the converted native peoples that included agriculture and industry activities as well as religious instruction and services. Typically a very limited military presence was maintained at the missions and the presidio acted as the garrison for the surrounding missions. Mission San Rafael Arcangel was the 20th California mission built (out of 21) late in the Spanish period. The mission was established 14 Dec 1817 by Father Vicente De Sarria as an asistencia (sub-mission) of the Mission San Francisco de Asis to provide a place for the sick to recover. The asistencia became a full fledged mission in 1822 just as the Mexican Revolution came to an end.

Mexican Period (1822-1846)

The Mexican period began with the end of the Mexican Revolution around 1820. Mexican troops occupied the presidios and Mexican governors ran the province of Alta California.

The new Mexican government began the process of secularization (turning church lands over to private interests) around 1831 and passed laws mandating secularization of all missions in Mexico in 1833. Secularization in 1833 ended church ownership of the Mission San Rafael Arcangel community property. Most of the missions and presidios were abandoned and fell into disrepair as the lands were redistributed to private owners.

Current Status

San Rafael, Marin County, California

USGS Geographic Names Information System (GNIS) Database Entry: 1828931

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Location: 1104 5th Ave, San Rafael, Marin County, California.

Maps & Images

Lat: 37.974333 Long: -122.52791

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Elevation: 49'

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