Mission San Luis Rey de Francia was founded on June 13, 1798, by Father Fermin Lasuen, Father-President of the Mission Chain after Father Junipero Serra’s death. It was the 18th mission in the 21 mission chain in Alta California. It was named for Saint Luis IX, King of France in the 1200’s. It was known as “King of the Missions”. The Spanish plan was to colonize this area with native inhabitants by drawing on their willingness to help, along with their considerable skills and creative talents. All this was done with the intent of ultimately turning over the missions to these indigenous people.
From time to time since the late 1800s, groups and individuals who recognized the historical, sociological, and artistic importance of these settlements spearheaded efforts to restore and reconstruct them. Contrary to what many people think, 19 of the 21 California missions are not funded by any governmental agency. Most rely solely on charitable donations to keep their wooden doors open.
The mission buildings were occupied between 1846 and 1865 by various U.S. military troops, including the Battalion of Mormon Volunteers. In 1850, California became the 34th state of the union and the remaining mission lands were incorporated into the United States.