Mission San Luis Rey, Oceanside, CA - Mormon Battalion

Located near the present-day city of Oceanside, California, Mission San Luis Rey de Francia was founded by the Spaniards in 1798. In January 1847 the Mormon Battalion passed by the mission as it approached and saw the Pacific Ocean for the first time. Following a short stay in San Diego, the Battalion returned to the mission, arriving on February 3. Many were garrisoned here for weeks (noted on the sign below).

While at Mission San Luis Rey, the Battalion received weeks of training including instruction in the use of firearms for the first time. Some of the Battalion members attended to religious rituals and ordinances. There were problems with fleas, clothes to wash, drills and inspections and much needed rest. Some men could barely carry a pail of water without resting from the chore. In March, Company B was ordered back to San Diego and the others to Los Angeles. The Battalion was formally discharged on July 16, 1847 at Los Angeles.

Ownership Status

The mission church presently situated at San Luis Rey near Oceanside, CA, was built in 1815, well before the Mormon Battalion spent time there. It still functions as a parish church of the Catholic Diocese of San Diego. Consequently, it is subject to the regulations instituted by the Church. There is also a small museum and reception area for visitors. Donations are appreciated and help support the maintenance of this historic structure.

Directions

Old Mission San Luis Rey is located at 4050 Mission Avenue, Oceanside, California 92057. From I-5 at Oceanside, take highway 76 (San Luis Rey Mission Expressway) to where it intersects with Ranco del Oro Drive. The mission is immediately north of that intersection. The gps coordinates are: 33°13’55.26″N; 117°19’10.73″W.

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