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California State Landmark. San Rafael was the twentieth
mission-founded December 14, 1817 by Fr. Vicente de Sarría
as a hospital asistencia for Mission San Francisco de Asís,
but given full mission status 1823. The mission is named for St. Raphael, patron of good health. In 1822 it was the meeting place for Ft. Ross Russians and the Spanish millitary, and it was also the headquarters for General John C. Fremont during the U.S.-Mexico war. The Mission is also the final resting place of Chief Marin, a Coast Miwok leader for whom Marin County is named. The present church is a replica built on the original foundation.
Immediate and Long-Term Funding Needs:
- Repair and restore mission artwork and artifacts, including period tools, furniture, manuscripts, textiles, and the original St. Raphael scroll that hung behind the altar of the original mission church.
- Archaeological examination of largely unexplored resources, including location of original convento, cemetery, monjerio, bell posts, and water clock foundations.
- Expand and upgrade mission museum including climate control,
lighting and security system to protect mission artifacts
Directions to
the Mission
From US-101: Exit
from US-101 at Central San Rafael. Turn left onto 5th Street.
The mission is at 5th and A Street. (Marin County) |
