San Juan Capistrano
The inside of San Juan Capistrano mission. (National Archives.)
San Juan Capistrano, a small city (1990 pop., 26,183) in southwestern California, is located 81 km (50 miles) southeast of Los Angeles between the Santa Ana Mountains in the east and the Pacific Coast on the west. Founded in 1776, it grew up as a farming community around the Spanish mission of the same name, which honors St. John of Capistrano (1385–1456), an Italian theologian and crusader. The mission of San Juan Capistrano, constructed in 1797–1806, was badly damaged by an earthquake in 1812; its adobe Serra Chapel (named for the mission founder Father JunÃ?Â?Ã?Â?Ã?Â?Ã?Âpero Serra) is the oldest building in California and is presently being used by clergy of the Los Angeles diocese.
An unusual phenomenon at the mission was first recorded in 1777. Every year, on St. Joseph's Day (March 19), swallows arrive there, having flown 9,700 km (6,000 miles) from Goya, Argentina, to nest and rear their young; they leave again on October 23. The arrival of the swallows is celebrated by the Fiesta de las Golondrinas. Tourism is a principal mainstay of the town. The old Santa Fe Railroad Station (1895) has been restored and serves as an Amtrak station.
- Teacher Store
-
The United States of America
The Teacher Store 
The United States of America
by Millie Miller Nelson and Millie Miller NelsonThis book exhibits all of the diversity of the American states even as it ties the country into one awesome entity. The authors' inclusion of endangered species, biographical sketches on the famous Americans from each state, inventions, resources, records, and so much more make this a unique and multi-dimensional work. But it is the art and the treatment of the information that makes this book so special. With a light-handed, fresh approach, and tremendous respect for their subject, the author-
$7.99
Hardcover Book | Grades 3-6
Grades 3-6 $7.99
- Teacher Store
-
USA Explorer Teacher Pack
The Teacher Store 
USA Explorer Teacher Pack
In this program, students track down clues from coast to coast on a mysterious mission to deliver a secret package. They make maps, learn state capitals and discover the people, places, and past times of the fabulous 50 states.
Along their journey, students snap travel photos, collect facts on over 100 landmarks, track and predict weather all around the country, and find more cross-country activities.
$49.95
CD-ROM | Grades K-3
Grades K-3 $49.95
ONLINE ACTIVITY
