By AMY H. ROBERTS

A modern, lively and thriving community, the City of San Gabriel’s history is just as diverse, alive and vibrant as its present.

Nestled in the shadow of the San Gabriel Mountains and named for the Mission San Gabriel Arcángel founded there by Father Junipero Serra, the City of San Gabriel was instrumental in the founding of Los Angeles, as well as the state of California. Long a tourist destination with remarkable attractions, today’s city blends its unique historical importance and charm with an exciting future.

San Gabriel holds serious historical significance, as Mission San Gabriel Arcángel served as the starting point for the original Spanish settlers’ (los Pobladores) nine-mile walk to Los Angeles in 1781 that initiated founding of Los Angeles.

This year, the 100th anniversary of San Gabriel’s incorporation, will bring history alive with a number of centennial celebrations. With San Gabriel’s past historically important and exciting, there is much to celebrate.

Founding of Mission San Gabriel Arcángel sets stage for development of region

In the late 1700s, Franciscan Fathers established a series of 21 California Missions to help spread the Catholic faith throughout the area, including the Mission San Gabriel Arcángel. Missionaries relied on the work from members of the local Gabrieleno-Tongva tribe to build and run the mission.

For years, this Mission, the fourth of the 21 built, was the Val ley’s spiritual center. It gave rise to a thriving agricultural industry that would remain strong even after the mission was disbanded. The native people were instrumental in the Mission’s agricultural and ranching work. In addition to cattle and crops, the Mission boasted a 170-acre vineyard that provided wines to other Missions.

The Mission was secularized in 1834. After California gained independence, the California governor Pio Pico sold the Mission in 1846. President Abraham Lincoln eventually returned the Mission to the Catholic Church when he signed a declaration returning all 21 California missions to the Catholic Church.

Today, the San Gabriel Mission runs a vibrant Catholic community, replete with ministries, schools and more. Known as the “Pride of the California

Missions” and located in the heart of the city’s Mission District, the San Gabriel Mission remains an integral part of the community it helped establish.

Rancho era establishes San Gabriel as an agriculture powerhouse

During the mission’s most active period, the region operated under a Rancho system, establishing boundaries and grazing rights. Fertile lands, as well as the ample water within local boundaries, inspired San Gabriel’s early agricultural focus.

When Mexican political interests changed, the Mission’s work suffered, and the Mission dispersed its extensive land holdings. With America’s westward expansion, ranchers and farmers assumed prominence, establishing successful farms and ranches.

Ultimately, population growth and industrial expansion hastened the end of San Gabriel’s agricultural focus. However, the area will always be remembered as the “Mother of Agriculture in California.”

Expanding tourism and culture

The late 1800s and early 1900s brought expansion and population growth to San Gabriel.

Noted historical structures such as the historical adobes were built, as were the San Gabriel Cemetery and the Church of Our Saviour.

Among the first tourist destinations was Grapevine Arbor, which covered more than 10,000 square feet. Within Grapevine Arbor was Ramona’s Home Inn, an inn with fine dining and relaxation options. It was also during the late 19th century that Chinese, Japanese, Filipino and South Asian pioneers first settled in the area. Their arrival added ethnic diversity and culture that remain vibrant parts of San Gabriel today.

In 1911 California poet laureate John Steven McGroarty wrote the legendary “Mission Play,” chronicling the founding of the missions and touting the area’s rich history. The play was so successful that 2.5 million people saw it over a 20-year run. Given the play’s early success, the Mission Playhouse was built, and it remains a cultural center yet today.

Incorporation leads to growth

Today’s modern city of San Gabriel was incorporated on April 24, 1913, with a population of 1,500, up from 586 citizens in the community in 1860. Businesses were established, and many flourished and continue to do so. For example, the San Gabriel Nursery and Florist has served residents for more than 80 years, bouncing back even after its Japanese founders were relocated to an internment camp during World War II.

By the year 2000, San Gabriel’s population was 40,000.

Over the years, the city has been home to artists, innovators, business people and more. Some of the most loved toys ever were created by the WHAM-O Corporation right in San Gabriel, while artists such as Benjamin Dominguez contributed work cementing the city’s reputation.

Today, the historic mission district pays tribute to the city’s rich heritage, as do gems like the Church of Our Saviour, with its beautiful stained glass windows. The city’s history, architecture, tourism, businesses and kaleidoscope of cultures make San Gabriel a fascinating modern community living up to its motto: “City with a Mission.”