California began with a vision. Unlike most beginnings that seem to naturally evolve from man's progress, California was born of a very special vision. Some say it was something the Old Man saw as he sat alone tending his fire on a hillside overlooking the Capistrano Valley. However, there were few who shared the Old Man's vision of many strangers of all races and beliefs coming into this land we now call California.
History tells of another vision.
Catherine the Great, Empress of all Russia, saw the new lands in Western America as a source of unlimited wealth and power. She envisioned this new land populated with Russian traders and settlers adding to the already vast European holdings under the Imperial Russian flag. Responding to these threats from Imperial Russia and England, the Spanish king, Carlos III, quickly sent an expedition into Alta California for the purpose of building mission, presidios and pueblos. Fray Junipero Serra, father-president of the Franciscan friars was to serve as spiritual leader. Soon afterward he began construction of the mission, San Diego de Acal .