The City of San Juan Capistrano is a unique community grounded in a history of native American culture, the Mission established by Franciscan missionaries in 1776, and an agrarian past. Officially incorporated as a city in 1961, San Juan Capistrano recently celebrated 40 years of city hood. A council-manager form of government, with five elected council members elected citywide, direct the city operations and municipal services.
The City has grown from a small community of approximately 10,000 persons in 1974 to a developed city of over 32,000 in 1999, with a variety of land uses providing open space, recreation, housing, jobs, shopping and services. The City prides itself on effectively maintaining its open space character by acquiring land to preserve its defining ridgelines, hillsides, and trails. Nearly 40% of the City is in open space and park land. Only about 10% of land suitable for development still remains vacant.
The "Jewel of the Missions" has been the center of Orange County since its founding by Padre Junipero Serra on November 1, 1776.
The Mission's namesake was Giovanni de Capestrano, who was born in 1386. He was a respected warrior and missionary, who died October 23, 1456. He was canonized in 1690, and was a favorite of Father Junipero Serra. Serra, in 1776, gained permission to name one of the missions after Capestrano.
Today it is one of California's most important historical, cultural, and educational centers. The Mission is the seventh of 21 Spanish Missions established in California by Franciscan Padres. Spain controlled California until 1821, when Mexico won its independence. In 1845, the Mission was sold for $710 to Don Juan Forster. His family lived at the Mission for 20 years. In 1865, Abraham Lincoln returned the Mission to the Catholic Church. In 1915, Mary Pickford was married in the Mission chapel.
Areas of interest within the Mission walls include early adobe barracks, Friars' quarters, olive millstone, cemetery, aqueduct system, the beautiful gardens, and the original Stone Church. The Church was completed in 1797 and partially destroyed by earthquake in 1806.
The Mission has embarked on a $20-million preservation campaign to protect the historical landmark. Temporary shoring and bracing of the stone church and stabilization of the Mission's adobe buildings have been completed. Mission San Juan Capistrano is a non-profit historic site supported solely by tourism and gifts. Those interested in assisting in the preservation of this timeless monument to Native American, Spanish, Mexican and American cultures can make their tax deductible donations payable to the Mission Preservation Fund, P.O. Box 697, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92693.
The Mission is located on Ortega Highway west of Interstate 5 and is open daily from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. (closed Thanksgiving, Christmas & Good Friday p.m.) The Mission grounds are available for private functions and corporate events. Guided tours of the Mission can also be arranged. For information, call (949) 234-1300.
