San Rafael - Mission San Rafael Arcangel

History

This mission was originally intended as a hospital for the Dolores mission, as there was a desire to keep away from the latter the many Indians suffering from epidemic illnesses. The actual reason for building the 20th mission, some 13 years after the 19th, was in fact quite different: the Russians had set up in Fort Ross a base for otter-catching, and the Spaniards wanted at all costs to prevent a further Russian advance southwards. Basically the mission was nevermore than a kind of sanatorium and monastery; it was pulled down in 1870 but was rebuilt in the same style in 1949.

Location

1104 Fifth Avenue South, corner of Court Street, San Rafael, only three blocks from the U.S. 101 (Central San