Originally built as a convalescent hospital for neophytes who succumbed to the damp, rheumatic climate of Mission Dolores in San Francisco, San Rafael was an asistancia of the larger mission. Fr. Luis Gil was its first presider. It was initially dedicated as a full mission in 1822 and christened after the arcangel whose name means "healing power of God."
1822 was also the year Mexico took California from Spain and from the start the mission's future seemed doubtful. Ten years later it was the first mission secularized. Its lands were confiscated by the new commander, General Mariano Vallejo, instead of given to the native neophytes, and the mission was then abandoned. A replica was built in 1949.

Twentieth Mission Built

Founded:
December 14, 1817

Location:
1104 Fifth Avenue
San Rafael

MAP TO MISSION &
DRIVING INSTRUCTIONS

Mission Scrapbook

LIMITED FINE ART EDITION
"Mission Visit San Rafael"