Mission San Rafael Arcángel

The bronzes count the mission twentieth of twenty-one. To the Coast Miwok it began as the place their sick were sent. It opened in 1817 as a hospital outpost of Mission Dolores, where disease was killing the people held there, and that winter hundreds of Coast Miwok returned north from San Francisco to it. It became a full mission in 1822. After secularization the San Rafael Christian Indians were granted some 80,000 acres at Nicasio in 1835; by 1850 settlers had taken all but about 4,000. The chapel standing now is the 1949 replica.

What the plaque says

In memory of the founders of Mission San Rafael Arcangel Dec 14, 1817. Presented by Marinita Parlor No 198 N.D.G.W. at the Serra Sesquicentennial Celebration Oct. 28, 1934. Founded · 1817 Rebuilt · 1949 San Rafael Arcángel Mission One and a half miles southwest was the San Rafael Arcángel Mission, established in 1817 by the Franciscans. This was the twentieth in the chain of 21 California missions. After the "decree of secularization" in 1834, the buildings gradually fell into ruin. Reconstruction of the mission on the original site took place in 1949. State Registered Landmark No. 220 Marker placed by California Centennials Commission in cooperation with Marin County Historical Society. Dedicated October 24, 1950 Viva Jesus! "On the 14th of December 1817 Fra Ramon Abella, Narciso Duran, Luis Gil and I planted and blessed with solemn ceremonies the Holy Cross at the time of Vespers, and on this day Holy Mass was sung with music; Te Deum and the Word of God was announced in both languages. In the afternoon there were 26 baptisms of children; we have about 200 for instructions." Report of Vicente de Sarria, Prefecto, to Mariano Payeras, Presidente.

Where it stands

More markers nearby

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