“SOLD” OUT! San Gabriel Mission Archaeological Excavation Tour
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Join us for this free LAVA exclusive tour of the ongoing archeological dig which is part of the Alameda Corridor East Construction Authority’s San Gabriel Trench Project.
The tour, which will occur on site–across Mission Road and just south of the San Gabriel Mission–will last approximately 90 minutes. Attendees are asked to dress for prolonged exposure to the sun and standing, in addition please refrain from wearing either red or green clothes, as they could confuse the conductors on passing trains.
This visit should prove to be most interesting, as objects dating back to the late 18th century are being uncovered, providing a rare glimpse of life at the Mission, an intersection of early Spanish development and indigenous settlements. Staff archeologists will discuss the excavation process and share highlights of their discoveries as they uncover the site of the Bishop’s Garden, which was first cultivated in the 1780s. Among the thousands of artifacts found at the site are bits of pottery, the foundation of an adobe structure, shells, beads, remnants of animal bones, 19th century railroad spikes and a Spanish silver coin dated 1816. Will the excavation reveal the location of the Mission’s legendary (and possibly imaginary) Treasure Tunnel? Join us to find out!
Please note that there is no street address. The tour occurs on Main Street, alongside the train tracks, opposite the San Gabriel Mission. You can choose to park at the Mission and cross Mission Road to access the site (look for the raised platform), or you can look for street parking along Main Street.
