U. S. Mission Trail / The Mission Trail Today - The Spanish Missions in California

This site is owned, designed, and operated by Kenneth A. Larson who has over a quarter century of experience in design and construction of scenery for the Entertainment Industry and Theme Parks using Computer Aided and Traditional approaches to Design. Ken also has experience in other areas of Design.

Select photographs of my many visits to The Missions of the United States South and Southwest built by Spain and Mexico between 1565 and 1823.
All photographs taken by Kenneth A. Larson. All rights reserved. © 2008 - 2026.

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#1, San Diego de Alcala

Photography Gallery

Garden

San Diego Mission Main Page	Grounds	Church	Other Buildings	Exhibits
Archeological Excavation	Garden	Mission Dam	Surrounding Area	Original Site Presidio Hill

Garden. Photo date: 5-14-06.

The Garden

The Garden dates back to the rebuilding of the church in 1931. Within the garden are crosses made from original mission tiles placed in remembrance of the Indian neophytes who died during the Mission era.

The statue of Saint Joseph commemorates the expedition to San Diego, of which he was the patron saint. In March of 1770, the expedition was in trouble and on the verge of starvation. Under the guidance of Padre Serra, the padres and soldiers prayed for a supply ship. On March 19, Saint Joseph's Feast Day, unexpectedly a ship headed for Monterey sailed into San Diego Harbor after losing an anchor.

Saint Francis Wishing Well. Photo date: 5-14-06.

Saint Francis Wishing Well. Photo date: 5-14-06.

The statue of Saint Francis of Assisi celebrates the founder of the Franciscan Order, the order that established the 21 Missions in Alta California. Saint Francis dedicated his life to preaching, caring for the sick, love of nature, and restoring abandoned churches.

Garden. Photo date: 5-14-06.

Statue. Photo date: 5-14-06.

Garden. Photo date: 5-14-06.

Garden. Photo date: 5-14-06.

Garden. Photo date: 5-14-06.

Fray Junipero Serra. Photo date: 5-14-06.

Fray Junipero Serra. Photo date: 5-14-06.

Fray Junipero Serra. Photo date: 5-14-06.

Fray Junipero Serra. Photo date: 5-14-06.

Saint Francis Wishing Well. Photo date: 5-14-06.

Saint Francis Wishing Well. Photo date: 5-14-06.

San Diego Mission Main Page	Grounds	Church	Other Buildings	Exhibits
Archeological Excavation	Garden	Mission Dam	Surrounding Area	Original Site Presidio Hill

Sources:

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This page last updated: Wednesday, 01-Apr-2026 09:44:36 PDT

Note:This is not the official site for any of the places shown in US Mission Trail. US Mission Trail is not responsible for accuracy of the information. Hours of operations, prices, and exhibits are subject to change without notice.

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