Figure 2 - Little more than a stream during the summer months, the San Diego River periodically overran its banks and often destroyed homes and gardens of the early settlers. Photo by K. Hughart. (All remaining photographs are by K. Hughart unless otherwise noted.)

Figure 3 - Although oak trees continue to flourish in areas of San Diego County such as Mission Trails Regional Park in San Carlos, large numbers of oak disappeared from Point Loma in an earlier period of history.

Figure 4 - Andalusian explorer Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo remained six days in San Diego Bay and then continued north to the Channel Islands. Photo from the History of San Diego, by William E. Smythe.

Figure 5 - The first San Diego Mission stood next to the presidio, but was moved about five miles up the valley to its present site. In spite of being burned down in 1774, the mission was rebuilt and rededicated in 1777.

Figure 6 - More and more of the San Diego Presidio is being uncovered thanks to the San Diego Presidio Archaeology project, a joint effort of the Center for Spanish Colonial Archaeology, the San Diego Historical Society and the National Civilian Community Corps.

Figure 7 - In 1846 ownership of the Mission of San Diego was taken from the Catholic Church. For several years the building and grounds fell into disrepair. Then civic leaders and members of the San Diego Historical Society began a restoration project. Today mass is held in the mission chapel and hundreds of people visit the musuem and grounds every week.

Figure 8 - The palm tree planted by Father Serra bore a crop of dates. Through the years the original palms were vandalized until finally a small fence was staked out to protect them.

Figure 9 - Even today, gardens in Old Town produce corn and squash. A wide variety of trees, bushes and flowers can be seen throughout the park.

Figure 10 - Potsherds and other artifacts found by individuals who have participated in the presidio public archaeology program are taken to the field lab to be washed, weighed and measured. The areas where early colonists lived from 1776 to 1835 are rich in remnants of china, pottery and other household items.

Figure 11 -The Old Mission Dam territory lay east of San Diego Mission and may have been frequented by Jose Manuel Silvas during his days as an escort for visiting Catholic dignitaries.

Figure 12 - Findings from the archaeological dig in Old Town last year reflect an era of trade and interaction between people of many different social classes, nationalities and talents. Photo courtesy of Steve Schoenherr.