DIRECTIONS AND MAP TO CROSS BORDER FROM MEXICALI (WEST) TO CALEXICO
Misión de Nuestra Señora de Loreto Conchó
History Of Mission De Nuestra Senora De Loreto Concho
Juan María de Salvatierra wanted to evangelize the Baja peninsula. In 1697, he got approval and expenses paid to do just that. He sailed on October 10, 1697 for Baja. On October 19th, he landed in what is now known as Loreto. There, in "Loreto" was an indigenous colony of Indians known as the Monqui. The monqui had ta small settlment of about 60 people.
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In seven years, Juan María de Salvatierra mastered the native language. They named the establishment Loreto, after the "Lady of Loreto." The missionaries tried to gain the local Indians trust by providing food and religious services, However, due to a lack of water (only one watering hole) and the distrust many locals had about the Spanish presence, there were several skirmishes between the two groups.
Loreto was not a suitable location for a mission due to the scarcity of water. However, the missionaries used it as a "home base" to create other missions in the area. The stone church was finished around 1744. The "purpose" of the Mission" began to disappear, because the native population began to disappear. "Mission Loreto" ended in 1829.
Location Of Mission De Nuestra Senora
De Loreto Concho
The mission is located in the coastal center of town. From Highway 1, you would exit and take Ugarte, which turns into the appropriately named Bvd Salvatierra which turn into just off Av. Miguel Hidalgo. Just after Calle Independencia, the Mission is located on the left or north. You will be able to see it from the road.
