Mormon Battalion Meets Spanish Adobe

The historical site signage placed by Mission Viejo’s Heritage Committee reads, “This site was part of Rancho Canada de Los Alisos, a land grant given to Don Jose Serrano by Mexican Governor Pio Pico on May 27, 1846. Two historical plaques are located at the park’s western edge.”

Sycamore Park is well appointed with an open meadow, tot-lot, tree shaded barbecue and picnic areas, concrete walking paths and drinking fountains.

One large stone and bronze historic plaque reads in part, ”Dedicated to the valiant members of the historic Mormon Battalion who stopped here on March 20, 1847, as they marched from San Diego to Los Angeles… The Battalion played a major role in maintaining the peace, establishing political stability in the territory and shaping early California history.”

The other large dedication plaque reads, “This spring and the sycamore trees mark the area of an adobe house and outbuilding built in the 1840s by Jose Serrano, whose Rancho Canada de los Alisos stretched to the north. Within a short distance were the two adobes of Juan Avila’s Rancho Niguel, which extended to the south. The stage road, following the old Spanish ”El Camino Real,” passed between the two haciendas. This glen was a welcome stop for travelers.”

Unfortunately the adobe site was inaccessible in November of 2021 due to a freeway widening project.

Located at 25101 Charlinda Drive – parking is available in the cul-de-sac, or nearby Alicia Towne Plaza, or La Tierra Early Childhood Center at 24150 Lindley St, Mission Viejo, CA 92691. There are a number of local food sources: Five Guys, Denny’s, Casa Franco and Surfin’ Donuts. If I were there early in the day I’d choose Surfin’ Donuts for the breakfast burrito, fresh-squeezed orange juice and warm blueberry donuts. Hangryness aside, if it were later in the day I’d choose Casa Franco for their authentic Mexican food.