San Diego was first visited by Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo in 1542, but it was not until two hundred and twenty-seven years later that the fear that Russia or England might take possession of California induced King Carlos III of Spain to organize an expedition to colonize the land. It was in 1769 that a band of about two hundred men set out by land and sea to settle in Alta California. In the last company to come overland was Padre Junípero Serra, who, although already advanced in age, had been appointed Padre Presidente of the missions. This extraordinary man entered into a life of utmost hardship with a fiery enthusiasm that was never dampened throughout his life, and to him we owe the chain of historic missions that provide the only link to connect us with the early life of California and Spain. Twenty-one of these were established in California, forming an irregular line reaching from San Diego to Sonoma, and connected by El Camino Real (The Royal Road). Today the modern highway along the coast, U. S. 101, follows so closely the course of this road established by the pioneers one hundred and seventy years ago that one can easily say one is following in the footsteps of Father Serra and his companions.
Ruins of Chapel, San Juan Capistrano
Inner Court, San Juan Capistrano
Bell Court Fountain
Mission Shops, San Juan Capistrano
