The history of San Gabriel, California is distinctly different from that of Urbana, Illinois. Whereas the former was once a quiet agricultural suburb of Los Angeles and home to Mission San Gabriel Arcángel – the fourth Spanish mission in Alta California – the latter has had an industrial edge since its founding by William Busey. As you inhabit this Californian city, you will find yourself surrounded by historical sites standing testament to its varied past.
From the ruins of Missions San Francisco Xavier Claver, La Purísima Concepción de María Santísima, and Santa Ynez remain as remnants of Spanish colonial times; while nearby Pueblo de Los Angeles (the oldest settlement within what became L.A.), El Campo Santo Cemetery and Victoria Park attest to Mexican rule after 1821 when Mexico gained independence from Spain. In 1863, President Abraham Lincoln signed legislation granting land for a college that would become The University of Southern California (USC).
Other historic buildings include The Old City Hall, built in 1888 and now part of Galster Wilderness Park; Casa Adobe De San Rafael – built in 1790 making it one of the earliest structures in LA County; and Rancho Camulos Museum – once owned by prominent Tejano family ‘Del Valle’ who was instrumental in bringing water resources to western America’s growing cities.