Mission Dolores is a record of the natives who lived here for millennia, the Spanish period (1776-1821), the Mexican period (1821-1846) and American takeover (1846-present). The Mission’s painted ceiling displays native artistry and the church and cemetary are the final resting place of de Anza, one of the earliest Spanish explorers, and other Spaniards, Mexicans, Californios and notorious Gold Rush Americans.
Mission Dolores is a historical touchstone where you can quietly walk and sense the life of the natives, the Conquistadores and priests, Mexican ranchers and gold-seekers. Nearly 250 years after the Spanish cross was placed at Mission Dolores, a descendant of the Mission Indians now oversees this living artifact that begins San Francisco’s story.