Founded: September 8, 1797
Founder: Father Fermin Lasuen
Status: Active Catholic Church
Indian tribes native to surrounding area: Tataviam and Tongva (historically called Fernandeño and Gabrielino in mission records)
Location: 15151 San Fernando Mission Blvd, Mission Hills, CA 91345
Website: missionsanfernandorey.org
Google Map
Photograph by Geographer, copyright 2007The location of Mission San Fernando was chosen for the large springs in the area. The plentiful water supply supported large herds, and the mission eventually became a center for the production of leather goods.
In 1842, a mission rancher found gold particles in nearby Placerita Canyon. Although the gold find was small (it petered out after 4 years), it was the first reported gold find in Alta California.
In later years, treasure seekers smashed holes in mission walls, looking for gold they thought the padres had hidden there.
Key Events
1797 – Mission founded.
1834 – Mission secularized.
1842 – Gold found at Placerita Canyon; first known gold find in Alta California.
1861 – Returned to Catholic Church.
Visiting the Mission
The convento (guest house) building features unique river-of-life designs on the doors, and wrought iron locks. There is a long colonnade with 20 arches, as well as two original fountains, and a library and museum.
The current church, built in 1974, is an exact replica of a church that was originally built in 1806.
The elaborate altar was carved from walnut and dates to 1697. It was imported from Spain by California Missions curator Sir Richard Joseph Menn of the Diocese of Monterey
Actor Bob Hope and other L.A. notables were buried in the church cemetery. In 2005, Hope’s body was relocated to a dedicated memorial garden.
The Mission in the Media
Mission San Fernando Rey de España appeared in the films Over Silent Paths (1910), Two Men of the Desert (1913), and The Mysterious Desperado (1949).
Due to its proximity to Hollywood, and its classic “mission” architecture, it was also used in many popular television series during the 1960s and 1970s, including Dragnet, The Incredible Hulk, Highway to Heaven, Falcon Crest, Knight Rider, Remington Steele, Alias, and Buffy the Vampire Slayer.
Photo by Kurpfalzbilder.de.
Nearby Attractions
While you are in the area, we recommend a visit to Los Angeles Chinatown, an important cultural and historic site.
