Mission San Gabriel Arcangel
Mission San Gabriel Arcángel was founded on September 8, 1771 in present day Montebello by Padres Pedro Benito Cambon and Angel Fernández de la Somera, and was named for the Archangel Gabriel. This fourth mission was designed by Father Antonio Cruzado. In 1776 a flood ruined the original Mission (a site today referred to as "Mission Vieja" or "Old Mission") and the complex was relocated five miles closer to the mountains in present day San Gabriel. Mission San Gabriel is located near what became the City of Los Angeles, California.
The economy at Mission San Gabriel Arcángel was similar to the other missions in that they planted wheat, corn, and grapes, and raised cattle and sheep. It was also well known for its fine wines, and most of the soap and candles used at the other missions were made at the "Pride of the Missions." The first significant citrus orchard in California was cultivated on the Mission grounds around 1804 using seeds brought over from the Old World, a move that would eventually spur the development of the commercial citrus industry on the west coast.
The mission's church was used as a parish church for the City of San Gabriel from 1862 until 1908. In 1908, the Claretian Missionary Fathers came to San Gabriel and began the job of rebuilding and restoring the mission. On October 1, 1987 the Whittier Narrows earthquake damaged the mission. It took many years to repair the buildings from the earthquake and the restoration continues today.
Historic designations
- National Register of Historic Places #NPS-71000158
- California Historic Landmark #158
- California Historic Landmark #161 – site of "Mission Vieja"
- Los Angeles Conservancy Preservation Award (1994) – "Seismic retrofit and restoration of The oldest building in Los Angeles County"
- Daughters of the American Revolution (1968) – "The Oldest Building in Southern California of Brick, Stone and Mortar"
