Historical Marker · No. 232
Mission San Antonio de Padua
King City, Monterey County · California
Erected by the Department of Public Works, Division of Highways
This bronze casts an arrow and twenty-three miles, a quarter-mile down Jolon Road from Highway 101 in King City. It tells the founding the way Serra's biographer, Francisco Palóu, did: one Indian, a Salinan man drawn by the bell or by the strangers, witnessed the first Mass in 1771, and the congregation grew to a thousand neophytes, the baptized people the padres kept at the mission. The registers kept a second count. By the end of 1832 they held 4,419 baptisms and 3,617 burials. The church stands inside Fort Hunter Liggett, reached through the Army's gate.
What the plaque says
23 Miles Mission San Antonio de Padua Founded by Father Junipero Serra, July 14, 1771. Most picturesque setting. First Mass was celebrated in presence of one Indian, later congregation grew to a thousand neophytes. Famous for its fine horses and expert vaqueros. Historical Landmark No. 232 Department of Public Works - Division of Highways
Where it stands
36.19548, -121.14596 · Directions