1 . It was founded Twice

San Juan Capistrano is a City in Orange County, California, built around the Catholic Mission of the same name. The SJC Mission was initially founded in 1775 by Father Lasuen, but when a revolt broke in San Diego, the priests had to abandon San Juan Capistrano to help with the SD revolt. The priests finally returned in 1776, making it the official founding or "re-founding" year.

2 . Named After A Saint That Was “Saint”

Giovanni Capistrano (1386-1456) was a Franciscan Friar and priest canonized by the Catholic church in 1690 or 1724. But even though he is considered a saint by the Catholic Church, he is - for sure - not the ideal one. Historians picture him as responsible for inciting antisemitic violence and even causing around 50 Jews to be burned to death - no wonder he does not rank among popular saints. What reminds me that all religions, at one point or another, have had crazy people committing atrocities in the name of worship and faith.

3. It has the Oldest Residential Neighborhood In California

San Juan Capistrano harbors the oldest residential neighborhood in California - Los Rios - as well as the oldest in use building; the Serra Chapel.

4. It Was Destroyed By Magnitude 7 Earthquake In 1812

The charming San Juan Capistrano had its share of catastrophe. In December 8, 1812, the San Juan Capistrano Earthquake or 1812 Wrightwood earthquake - as it is also known - destroyed several Missions in the area, collapsing the Mission San Juan Capistrano's Great Stone Church and killing 40 Native Americans, who were attending mass.

5. It was Sold In 1845 to John Foster

From 1812 to 1834 all missions started to decline for several reasons. Mission San Juan Capistrano was sold in 1845 to John Foster. But during Abraham Lincoln presidency, the missions were given back to the Catholic Church and by the 1900's many wealthy people campaigned to restore the missions that we all visit today.

6. The Mask Of Zorro Was Originally Named "The Capistrano Curse"

The " Curse of Capistrano" was written by Johnston McCulley as a short story for a pulp magazine in New York in 1919. McCulley had never been in San Juan Capistrano, but his short story became a movie. In 1920, "The Curse of Capistrano" became "The Mark of Zorro," starring Douglas Fairbanks. As a result, the short story was re-published under its new name. Another interesting fact is that the Zorro TV series from 1957, with actor Guy Williams, was the first to capitalize on items promoting a show.

San Juan Capistrano has maintained its beauty throughout, and today, it is a strong historical, cultural, and religious reference. I love SJC! If you have the chance, go visit and check missionsjc.com. I learn something different about it every visit.