San Fernando Mission Cemetery: A Historic Burial Ground in Los Angeles County

The San Fernando Mission Cemetery, located in the city of Mission Hills in Los Angeles County, California, is a historic burial ground that is considered to be one of the oldest and most significant cemeteries in Southern California. Established in 1797, the cemetery has served as the final resting place for thousands of people throughout its long history.

The cemetery is situated on a scenic hillside overlooking the San Fernando Valley and is surrounded by a peaceful and tranquil atmosphere. It is a popular destination for visitors interested in exploring the area's rich history and culture, and it is also a place of pilgrimage for many who come to pay their respects to the loved ones buried there.

History of the San Fernando Mission Cemetery

The San Fernando Mission Cemetery was established in 1797 as a burial ground for the residents of the nearby San Fernando Rey de España Mission. In the early years, the cemetery was used primarily for the burial of Native American converts and mission workers, many of whom died from diseases brought by European settlers.

Over time, the cemetery was expanded to include the burials of non-Native Americans, including many prominent figures from Los Angeles history. Today, the cemetery is the final resting place for over 10,000 people, including many notable individuals such as:

• Father Junípero Serra, the founder of the California mission system
• Luis Antonio Argüello, the first governor of California
• José Antonio Carrillo, a prominent Californio politician
• Pio Pico, the last Mexican governor of California

Features of the San Fernando Mission Cemetery

The San Fernando Mission Cemetery is a beautiful and historic place that offers a variety of features for visitors. These features include:

• Historic gravesites: The cemetery is home to the graves of many notable figures from Los Angeles history, including Father Junípero Serra, Luis Antonio Argüello, José Antonio Carrillo, and Pio Pico.
• Mission architecture: The cemetery is surrounded by beautiful mission architecture, including the San Fernando Rey de España Mission, which is a National Historic Landmark.
• Scenic views: The cemetery is situated on a scenic hillside overlooking the San Fernando Valley, which provides visitors with stunning views of the surrounding area.

Visiting the San Fernando Mission Cemetery

The San Fernando Mission Cemetery is open to the public during daylight hours. Visitors are welcome to explore the cemetery and visit the graves of its many notable residents. Guided tours of the cemetery are also available.

Here are some tips for visiting the San Fernando Mission Cemetery:

• Plan your visit: The cemetery is open during daylight hours, but it is best to visit during the morning or afternoon to avoid the heat.
• Wear comfortable shoes: The cemetery is located on a hillside, so it is important to wear comfortable shoes for walking.
• Bring water: It is important to stay hydrated, especially during the summer months.
• Be respectful: The cemetery is a place of burial, so it is important to be respectful of the gravesites and the people who are visiting them.
• Take your time: There is a lot to see and explore at the San Fernando Mission Cemetery, so take your time and enjoy the experience.

Why the San Fernando Mission Cemetery Matters

The San Fernando Mission Cemetery is a historic and significant place that matters to many people for a variety of reasons.

• Historical importance: The cemetery is the resting place of many notable figures from Los Angeles history, including Father Junípero Serra, Luis Antonio Argüello, José Antonio Carrillo, and Pio Pico.
• Cultural significance: The cemetery is a place of pilgrimage for many who come to pay their respects to the loved ones buried there.
• Architectural beauty: The cemetery is surrounded by beautiful mission architecture, including the San Fernando Rey de España Mission, which is a National Historic Landmark.
• Educational value: The cemetery is a valuable educational resource for people interested in learning about Los Angeles history and culture.

How the San Fernando Mission Cemetery Benefits the Community

The San Fernando Mission Cemetery provides a number of benefits to the community.

• Preservation of history: The cemetery helps to preserve the history of Los Angeles by preserving the gravesites of many notable figures from the city's past.
• Cultural enrichment: The cemetery is a place where people can learn about Los Angeles history and culture and where they can pay their respects to the people who have made contributions to the city.
• Educational opportunities: The cemetery is a valuable educational resource for people interested in learning about Los Angeles history and culture. The cemetery offers guided tours and educational programs.

Comparing the Pros and Cons of Visiting the San Fernando Mission Cemetery

There are a number of pros and cons to visiting the San Fernando Mission Cemetery.

Pros:

• Historical significance: The cemetery is the resting place of many notable figures from Los Angeles history, including Father Junípero Serra, Luis Antonio Argüello, José Antonio Carrillo, and Pio Pico.
• Cultural significance: The cemetery is a place of pilgrimage for many who come to pay their respects to the loved ones buried there.
• Architectural beauty: The cemetery is surrounded by beautiful mission architecture, including the San Fernando Rey de España Mission, which is a National Historic Landmark.
• Educational value: The cemetery is a valuable educational resource for people interested in learning about Los Angeles history and culture.

Cons:

• Heat: The cemetery is located in Southern California, which can be hot and dry during the summer months.
• Crowds: The cemetery can be crowded, especially during the weekends and on holidays.
• Parking: Parking can be difficult during peak times.

Steps for Visiting the San Fernando Mission Cemetery

Planning a visit to the San Fernando Mission Cemetery is easy.

1. Choose a time to visit: The cemetery is open during daylight hours, but it is best to visit during the morning or afternoon to avoid the heat.
2. Plan your route: The cemetery is located on a hillside, so it is important to plan your route in advance.
3. Wear comfortable shoes: You will be doing a lot of walking, so it is important to wear comfortable shoes.
4. Bring water: It is important to stay hydrated, especially during the summer months.
5. Be respectful: The cemetery is a place of burial, so it is important to be respectful of the gravesites and the people who are visiting them.
6. Take your time: There is a lot to see and explore at the San Fernando Mission Cemetery, so take your time and enjoy the experience.

Call to Action

The San Fernando Mission Cemetery is a historic and significant place that is worth visiting. If you are interested in learning about Los Angeles history and culture, then you should make plans to visit the cemetery. You will be glad you did.

Additional Information

• The San Fernando Mission Cemetery is located at 11160 Stranwood Avenue in Mission Hills, California.
• The cemetery is open during daylight hours.
• Guided tours of the cemetery are available.
• For more information, please visit the San Fernando Mission Cemetery website at www.sanfernandomissioncemetery.org.

Tables

Table 1: Notable People Buried in the San Fernando Mission Cemetery

Table 2: Features of the San Fernando Mission Cemetery

Table 3: Tips for Visiting the San Fernando Mission Cemetery