Mission San Rafael Arcangel

Mission San Rafael Arcangel was the 20th mission, founded December 14, 1817, by Father Vicente de Sarria. Named for Saint Raphael, angel of healing.

This mission was created initially as an asistencia for Mission Dolores, because of the high mortality rate among the Indians, especially  the children and infants, who were  susceptible

to the new white man diseases like small pox, chicken pox and measles. A new, sunnier location was chosen by Lieutenant Gabriel Moraga of the San Francisco Presidio to relocate some of the Indian population. Governor Sola gave his approval and the ailing neophytes were taken across the bay to the sunnier shores where they made vast improvements. Father Gil y Taboada offered to take the post and proved to be a perfect choice because he knew basic medicine and was familiar with Indian idioms. He was very successful and soon other missions sent their ill neophytes, increasing the Indian population to 382 in just one year. But after two years, his own health declined and he was sent to another mission. Father Juan Amoros took over and taught the trades.  The Indians became expert boat builders, black smiths, cowboys, carpenters and weavers. This asistencia became a formal mission on October 19, 1822 and became fairly prosperous, having as many as 1,140 Indians. Its architecture or building layout never achieved any great design. It was comprised of one long building that was divided into sections for a hospital, living quarters, storeroom and chapel. No quadrangle or bell tower was built. Mission San Rafael soon served as an important role in Spain's continued effort to settle the northern territories and stop the Russians southerly advancement, acting as a buffer to the Russians and as a stopover for military parties heading northward.
Troubles began after the death of Father Amoros, who had served 13 years. In 1832, the Mission was transferred to the Zacatecan Franciscans and Father Jose Mercado was placed in charge. A man with a volatile temper, he quickly made enemies with the General Mariano Vallejo of the San Francisco Presidio. One of Father Mercado's rash acts was to arm his neophytes and order them to attack a group of unarmed Indians who had apparently resisted conversion, and whom he suspected of an attack. Numerous Indians were killed and General Vallejo notified Governor Figueroa, whom had Father Mercado suspended for six months.