Saturday, October 25, 2008

California Missions Tour: Mission San Francisco Arcangel (San Rafael)

San Francisco Arcangel
Founded December 14, 1817 (20th mission)

The second mission I went to was in downtown San Rafael in Marin County. There was no museum, just a gift shop. I did not go inside because mass was taking place.

Outside is a small statue of Father Junipero Serra, who was responsible for the California mission system. I would see this diminutive statue at many of the other missions. Apparently, he was only 5'2". In the U.S. Capitol, two important figures from each state's history are memorialized with statues. For California, one of these figures is Father Serra.

Also of note is the star shaped window above the main entrance. It is associated with the Carmel mission and appears often in mission-style houses and buildings throughout California.

CKY

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