Since we’ve spent the weekend in our RV Park just relaxing and taking it easy, I don’t really have too much new to write about. The weather’s the same, the pools the same, the dog park’s the same – all good! We did, however, visit another Mission on the way down here, besides the one I’ve already written about in Solvang. It was the La Purisima Mission in Lompoc, CA which is actually very close to Solvang.
View of the Mission from the little bridge over the creek
Founded in 1787, the La Purisima Mission land holdings once covered nearly 470 square miles. Bordered by the Santa Maria River in the North and the Gaviota coastline in the South, the land was home to the Chumash people and Spanish settlers. The mission was best known for its hides and blankets, and its inhabitants herded as many as 24,000 cattle and sheep. Evidence of the hides and blanket business is readily apparent as we wandered around looking at all the various workshops used to cure and prepare animal hides.
At least with this old cart, you wouldn’t have to worry about flat tires
La Purisima Mission was founded by Father Presidente Fermin de Lasuén on December 8, 1787 and was the 11th of 21 Franciscan Missions in California. During the Mission's early years, over 100 large and small adobe buildings were built; a water system was developed; crops and livestock were raised, and La Purisima grew and prospered.
An old weaving loom – wonder if it was used to make quilts?
The year 1812 in California was known as "El Año de los Temblores," or "The year of the Earthquakes." A major earthquake struck La Purisima on December 21, 1812, destroying many of the Mission's structures. Aftershocks and drenching rains damaged La Purisima beyond repair.
The main church in the Mission
Father Mariano Payeras, then in charge of the Mission, requested and was granted permission to rebuild four miles to the northwest in "La Cañada de los Berros," the Canyon of the Watercress. This new site had several advantages: a better water supply, a better climate, and a closer and safer access to El Camino Real, California's main travel route.
The hides on display are evidence of the history of the Mission
In a few years, La Purisima once again became a thriving community. It became a school and training center for the inhabitants as well as a great ranching enterprise. At times over 20,000 cattle and sheep roamed the hills along with hundreds of horses, mules, burros and other livestock. The padres developed shops for weaving, pottery, leatherwork and other crafts in addition to organizing and administering the religious activities of the Mission settlement.
This is the kitchen with a nice little “pizza oven”
In 1834, the order to secularize California's Missions was enforced. In 1845, La Purisima Mission was sold to Juan Temple of Los Angeles for $1,000. It subsequently changed hands and uses a number of times prior to the close of the 19th century. Buildings and other features of the Mission eventually collapsed from weather and long neglect. In 1933 when the property was given to public ownership by Union Oil Company, the Mission was a complete ruin.
This is, I think, an old flour grinding mill
Preservation and reconstruction of the Mission complex began in 1934 through efforts of the County of Santa Barbara, the State of California, the National Park Service and the Civilian Conservation Corps. Under direction and labor from the latter two organizations, buildings and grounds were restored and furnished to appear as they had in 1820.
This beautiful piece of furniture was built in the 1790’s – what workmanship
At present, the mission is within La Purisima Mission State Historic Park, an area of 1,928 acres - a small but most important portion of the original 300,000 acre mission property. Ten of the original buildings have been fully restored and furnished authentically; other structures have also been restored including the historic aqueduct and water system.
This is the bunkhouse for the Spanish soldiers who protected the Mission
I’m not sure if we’ll get to visit any more MIssions while we’re down here, but I sure hope so as they are very interesting and intriguing places to walk around. It’s amazing to see how really difficult life was 300 years ago. In comparison, we’ve sure got it easy today!
Have a great Monday and thanks again for visiting!
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