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Mission San Luis Rey de Francia

Mission San Luis Rey was California's 18th

By Betsy Malloy, About.com

Mission San Luis Rey

Mission San Luis Rey

© Betsy Malloy 2002
Mission San Luis Rey
4050 Mission Avenue
Oceanside, CA

Founded June 13, 1798
by Father Fermin Lasuen
Named for Louis, King of France (Mission San Luis Rey de Francia)


Interesting Facts about Mission San Luis Rey

  • Mission San Luis Rey was the largest and most populous in California
  • The first pepper tree planted in California is still alive at Mission San Luis Rey
  • Mission San Luis Rey was the last one Father Lasuen founded

Mission San Luis Rey Timeline

  • 1798 -Father Lasuen founds Mission San Luis Rey
  • 1821 -First church finished
  • 1831 -2,800 native converts
  • 1832 -Father Peyri leaves Mission San Luis Rey
  • 1834 -Secularization
  • 1892 -Franciscans return to Mission San Luis Rey
  • 1895 -Reconstruction begins

Getting to Mission San Luis Rey

Mission San Luis Rey is located north of downtown San Diego between I-5 and I-15 on Highway 76. I-5, exit onto Highway 76 and drive 4 miles east to Rancho del Oro. From I-15, exit onto Highway 76 and drive 15 miles wast to Rancho del Oro. Mission San Luis Rey will be on the right.

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