Mission San Diego de Alcala

Mission San Diego de Alcala is the 1st mission in the Franciscan chain and was founded in Alta California on July 16, 1769, by Father Junipero Serra and the Governor from Alta California, Don Gaspar de Portola. It was named after San Diego (St. Didacus), a 15th century Franciscan from Alcala, who was canonized in 1588. His feast day is November 13.

The first mission to be established was Mission San Diego, located just north of the Mexican border, to begin the northern extension of the existing Spanish territory.  The initial goal was to establish missions up to Monterey.  The first expedition to establish Mission San Diego was led by 4 parties - 2 by land and 2 by sea.  Governor Portola and Father Serra went by land.  Of the sea expedition, only 126 of 226 survived.  One ship was lost and the other suffered from scurvy.  Nevertheless, Father Serra proceeded with the founding and began the prototype rite for all future missions: raised a wooden cross, said mass and rang a bell to summon local Indians.  Meanwhile, Governor Portola continued north in search of Monterey Bay where by order of the viceroy, they were to establish a mission, so as to secure a safe harbor.  Father Serra eventually continued north to establish the Monterey mission.

This first settlement nearly perished of starvation but eventually
became established with the first mission and presidio.  In 1774,
the mission was moved further inland by six miles to a better water source and fertile fields.  This also provided a much-needed distance from the presidio and the soldiers' influence.

The initial effort to befriend the Indians with beads and clothes failed, but slowly the neophyte population grew.  In 1775, fear of the padre's influence on their way of life led the Indians to plan a massive attack on the mission, which was burnt down.  Several people were killed in the attack, including Father Luis Jayme, the priest in charge at the time. His self-sacrificing attempt to subdue the natives made him a martyr.  This attack would delay the establishment of other missions, like the one in Monterey and it would require from thereon, that all missions be established with adequate military protection.  It was a tremendous defeat for the Indians, not only because they lost but it proved they could never rid themselves of these powerful invaders.