Santa Barbara Mission, California – Legends of America
Nestled between the vast expanse of the Pacific Ocean and the majestic Santa Ynez Mountains, the Santa Barbara Mission stands as a testament to California’s rich history and enduring spiritual heritage. As the tenth of the 21 California missions founded by Franciscan priests in the 18th and early 19th centuries, it holds a unique distinction: it is the only mission that has remained under the leadership of the Franciscan Friars since its inception. More than just a historical landmark, the mission serves as a living, breathing testament to the past, present, and future of the region.
A Sacred Beginning
The mission’s story began on December 4, 1786, a date chosen to honor Saint Barbara, the patron saint of the city and county that now bear her name. Father Fermín Lasuén, a key figure in the California mission system, presided over the consecration of the grounds. The location was strategically chosen, offering not only a picturesque setting but also access to vital resources and proximity to the indigenous population.
The Chumash People: A Meeting of Cultures
Before the arrival of the Spanish, the area was inhabited by the Chumash people, a skilled and resourceful group of Native Americans who thrived along the coast from Malibu to San Luis Obispo. The Chumash were renowned for their craftsmanship, hunting prowess, and maritime expertise. They were adept at gathering resources from the land and sea but lacked a formal agricultural system.
The mission’s establishment marked a significant turning point in the lives of the Chumash. The Franciscans aimed to introduce them to Christianity and European agricultural practices, hoping to transform their way of life. While the mission offered new opportunities and resources, it also brought about profound cultural changes and challenges for the Chumash people.
From Humble Beginnings to Architectural Grandeur
The first mission church, constructed in 1787, was a simple structure made of logs with a thatched grass roof. It was a far cry from the imposing stone edifice that stands today. As the mission grew and prospered, the need for a more substantial church became apparent. A second church, built in 1789, followed by a third in 1794, were constructed from adobe and tile.
However, it was the devastating earthquake of 1812 that led to the creation of the iconic structure we see today. The earthquake severely damaged the existing church and village, prompting the construction of a new, more resilient building.
Construction began in 1815, with converted Chumash laborers providing much of the workforce under the guidance of master stonemason Antonio Ramirez. By 1820, the new church was largely complete. Its classical-inspired façade was a marvel of architectural design, featuring symmetrical towers, Ionic pilasters, an entablature, and a pediment. The church’s dimensions were impressive, measuring 179 feet long and 38 feet wide, with six chapels adorning the interior. Massive sandstone walls and heavy buttresses provided structural support, ensuring the building’s longevity.
In addition to the church, the mission complex included housing for the priests, workshops, storehouses, and adobe huts for the native population. It was a self-contained community, designed to support the mission’s religious, agricultural, and economic activities.
A Hub of Activity: Agriculture and Innovation
Life at the mission in the early 1800s revolved around agriculture and religious observance. The mission’s lands were teeming with livestock, including cattle, sheep, goats, pigs, mules, and horses. The Franciscans and converted Chumash cultivated crops such as wheat, barley, corn, beans, peas, oranges, and olives.
One of the mission’s most impressive achievements was its aqueduct system, implemented as early as 1807. A dam was constructed across nearby Pedregoso Creek, diverting water into a large settling tank for filtration. The filtered water was then collected in a stonewalled reservoir located 500 feet from the church. By 1808, a fountain and a long laundry trough were added, providing a source of fresh water for the mission community. The fountain and reservoir remain intact today, serving as a reminder of the mission’s ingenuity and resourcefulness.
Challenges and Resilience: The Chumash Revolt and Secularization
While the missionaries initially encountered little resistance from the local Native Americans, tensions eventually arose. In 1824, the Chumash at Santa Barbara, Santa Inés, and La Purísima missions revolted against the mission authority, expressing their discontent with the changes imposed upon their traditional way of life. Although lives were lost, the revolt highlighted the complex relationship between the missionaries and the indigenous population.
In 1834, after Mexico gained independence from Spain, a new law was enacted that mandated the secularization of the missions. This law led to the division of land, abandonment of buildings, and disrepair in most of the other 20 Spanish missions. However, the Santa Barbara Mission managed to avoid this fate. Although its lands and buildings were sold, the Franciscan friars were allowed to remain, and the mission became the Franciscan capital of California. In 1842, California’s first bishop established his diocese at the site, further solidifying the mission’s importance.
A Legacy of Education and Preservation
In 1853, the church established a Franciscan missionary college, ensuring the continuation of its educational mission. In 1865, President Abraham Lincoln returned the mission’s buildings and 283 acres of land to the Catholic Church, recognizing its historical and cultural significance. From 1869 to 1877, the mission also served as a college for laymen, becoming Santa Barbara’s first institution of higher education.
Despite the passage of time and the occurrence of natural disasters, the Santa Barbara Mission has remained remarkably intact. However, tragedy struck in 1925 when a violent earthquake caused severe damage to the church, including the collapse of the eastern tower. Fortunately, the building’s massive buttresses held fast, and much of the exterior remained standing. Thanks to careful documentation, a complete restoration was possible, and the church was reconstructed by 1927 using primarily original stone.
In 1950, another major renovation project was undertaken to address dangerous cracking in the towers caused by the settling of the building. The entire façade, including the towers, was dismantled and reconstructed on new, solid foundations.
A Living Landmark: Today and Beyond
More than 200 years after its construction, the Santa Barbara Mission continues to serve as an active parish and home to a community of Franciscan friars. The mission property, encompassing 12 acres, now houses a retreat center and museum, showcasing its historic cemetery, beautifully landscaped gardens, and aqueduct system/fountain. The Historic Mausoleum, located in the center of the cemetery, has served as the final resting place for Franciscan friars since 1893.
The mission is a repository of historical records, art, and objects from all eras of California history. The Spanish altar is original, and the Stations of the Cross were brought from Mexico in 1797. Hundreds of other religious and secular objects, statuary, paintings, and memorabilia are preserved in the church’s collection.
Today, the Santa Barbara Mission stands as a National Historic Landmark, the only original mission church to survive unaltered into the 21st century. Its historic sanctuary light has never been extinguished, symbolizing the enduring spirit of faith and perseverance that has guided the mission throughout its history. Visitors can explore the mission through self-guided tours or docent-led tours, immersing themselves in the rich history and cultural heritage of this remarkable landmark.
Visiting the Mission
Santa Barbara Mission
2201 Laguna Street
Santa Barbara, California
805-682-4713
The Santa Barbara Mission is more than just a historical site; it is a living testament to the past, present, and future of California. Its stunning architecture, rich history, and enduring spiritual significance make it a must-see destination for anyone interested in the Golden State’s unique heritage.