Mission San Gabriel Arcángel has been historically referred to as the “Godmother of the Pueblo of Los Angeles.” Designed by Father Antonio Cruzado of Córdoba, Spain, Father Cruzado is responsible for lending the Mission structure its Moorish architectural influence in evidence by capped buttresses and the tall, narrow windows along its nave. In its size and grandeur, Mission San Gabriel makes a statement among the Missions of California.

The Mission church was built from 1791 to 1805 of cut stone, brick, and mortar  and is the oldest structure of its kind south of Monterey, CA.   From 1987 to 1993, the structure was fully restored to repair damage from the 1987 Whittier earthquake.  The retrofitting project netted the Mission the Los Angeles Conservancy Preservation Award in 1994.

The fourth of the 21 California missions founded,  the Mission is rich in the history and traditions of early California. In the early mission era, it became known as the “Pride of the Missions” for its large production of crops and trading of cattle hides and wine.  Some of this history has been preserved for viewing in the church, museum, and grounds.

San Gabriel Mission has been designated as California Historical Landmark #161.