The Mission Basilica San Diego de Alcalá was founded by Father Presidente Junípero Serra on July 16th, 1769 at Presidio Hill, but was later moved to its present location in 1774. It was the first in Alta (Upper) California and is referred to as the Mother of the Missions.

After Mexico gained its independence from Spain in 1821, the missions were deemed too expensive to maintain and sold off. The asking price for the San Diego Mission was too high, so the land was divided and given to those who helped Mexico fight against ... (more)