History
Mission San Gabriel Arcángel (Spanish: Misión de San Gabriel Arcángel) is a Californian mission and historic landmark in San Gabriel, California. It was founded by the Spanish Empire on the Nativity of Mary September 8, 1771, as the fourth of what would become twenty-one Spanish missions in California. The mission was named after the Archangel Gabriel, and often referred to as the "Godmother of the Pueblo of Los Angeles." The mission was designed by Antonio Cruzado, who gave the building its capped buttresses and the tall narrow windows, which are unique among the missions of the California chain. It was completed in 1805. A large stone cross stands in the center of the Campo Santo (cemetery), first consecrated in 1778 and then again on January 29, 1939. It serves as the final resting place for some 6,000 neophytes. According to Spanish legend, the founding expedition was confronted by a large group of native Tongva peoples whose intention was to drive the strangers away. One of the priests laid a painting of Our Lady of Sorrows on the ground for all to see, whereupon the natives, designated by the settlers as the Gabrieleños, immediately made peace with the missionaries, as they were...
Common questions
What is Mission San Gabriel Arcángel?
Mission San Gabriel Arcángel is a Spanish Colonial Californian mission and historic landmark in San Gabriel, California. Founded in 1771, it was the fourth of what would become twenty-one Spanish missions in California and is often referred to as the "Godmother of the Pueblo of Los Angeles."
When was Mission San Gabriel Arcángel built?
Mission San Gabriel Arcángel was founded by the Spanish Empire on September 8, 1771, the feast of the Nativity of Mary. The present church building, designed by Antonio Cruzado, was completed in 1805.
Where is Mission San Gabriel Arcángel located?
Mission San Gabriel Arcángel is located in San Gabriel, Los Angeles County, California.
Can you visit Mission San Gabriel Arcángel?
Mission San Gabriel Arcángel remains an active church and historic landmark. Visitor access is associated with its role as an operating Catholic mission church in San Gabriel.
Who designed Mission San Gabriel Arcángel?
Mission San Gabriel Arcángel was designed by Antonio Cruzado, who gave the building its capped buttresses and the tall narrow windows, which are unique among the missions of the California chain. The church was completed in 1805.
Why is Mission San Gabriel Arcángel historically significant?
Founded in 1771, Mission San Gabriel Arcángel was the fourth Spanish mission in California and is known as the "Godmother of the Pueblo of Los Angeles." Its Campo Santo, first consecrated in 1778, serves as the final resting place for some 6,000 neophytes, and its capped buttresses and narrow windows are architecturally unique within the California mission chain.
