The Mission was founded June 13, 1816 by Father Antonio Peyri, OFM.  It is the last remaining California Mission still in operation as was first established.  The Mission was built as an "asistencia" to its parent, Mission San Luis Rey de Francia, to bring Catholicism to the hundreds of Indians living in that area.  Located about 25 miles east of San Luis Rey, the Mission is now located inside the Pala Indian Reservation.

The cemetery is also known as the "Old Luiseño Cemetery" named after the tribe of indians to which the Mission had served.  Hundreds of indians were buried at the cemetery, mostly marked by wooden crosses.  Most all of the wooden crosses have fallen and have been misplaced.  In some areas of the cemetery, the crosses have been piled up into stacks.  The cemetery is about 2,000 square feet.

To get to the cemetery, take Interstate 5 north or south to State Highway 76 east.  Travel for about 30 miles until you enter the Pala Indian Reservation.  About a quarter-mile into the reservation, take a left onto Pala Mission Road.  The Mission lies about another quarter-mile down.

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