Site information:

On Taylor St, just N of Presidio Dr, San Diego

Nothing remains of the original palm.

32.759424,-117.196172

Plaque information:

State plaque

Plaque text:

Traditionally the earliest planted tree in California. Directly in the rear, beneath the brow of the hill, lie the dead of the sacred expedition of 1769. Burial place of first unknown soldiers.

Marker placed by California Centennials Commission in cooperation with San Diego Historical Markers Committee, Dedicated September 2, 1950

Plaque addendum:

The last dying Serra Palm was cut down on June 6, 1957. The marker was preserved by Archie and Margaret O'Neal, and rededicated by Squibob Chapter, E Clampus Vitus, on December 6, 1980.

San Diego People for Trees on July 16, 1995 dedicated these date palms (Phoenix Dactylifera) to commemorate the 1769 planting of the Serra Palms.

OHP description:

Site of the palm planted in 1769 by Padre Juni­pero Serra when he arrived at San Diego. Here the four divisions of the Portola Expedition met on July 1, 1769. The famous 'El Camino Real,' most celebrated trail in California, begins here.

Registered 12/6/1932