San Luis Rey Pioneer Cemetery

Most of the decedents were laid to rest in this plain cemetery in the 1800s who were the "pioneers" mentioned in the name. However, the most decorated and prominent grave was dug in 2006 for police officer Daniel Bessant who was killed on duty at the tender age of 25. With anonymity and obscurity comes vandalism; some of the headstones have been stolen and graves have been desecrated. Hopefully, more efforts will be made in the future to preserve this small piece of California history. To get there go to Rancho del Oro Dr. and find the small road that goes west. This road is just north San Luis Rey Mission Expy.