Founded in 1817 as a hospital and convalescent home of Mission San Francisco de Asís to treat sick Native Americans, theMission San Rafael Arcangel (Church of Saint Raphael) was Alta California's first sanitarium. Constructed entirely by native craftsmen in a simple and unassuming style, the mission was later occupied by General John C. Fremont during the Bear Flag Revolt in 1848 before falling into disrepair. The building was restored to its former glory in the early 1900s with a façade similar to San Carlos Borromeo de Carmelo. The building houses a small museum with a collection that features includes three of the original mission bells, hanging from a small wooden bar at the entrance to the chapel.

1104 Fifth Ave, San Rafael, CA 94901

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