1. Overview
Discover La Purisima Mission, an important historic site in California, founded in 1787. Its restoration showcases its significance and offers insights into early California history.
2. Interesting Facts
Mission La Purisima is unique as it is built in a straight line and is the most thoroughly restored mission in California.
3. Timeline of Key Events
- 1787 – Father Lasuen founds Mission La Purisima
- 1804 – Father Payeras arrives
- 1812 – Earthquake leads to relocation of Mission La Purisima
- 1823 – Father Payeras dies
- 1824 – Indian uprising
- 1835 – Secularization of the mission
- 1845 – Mission sold at auction
- 1935 – Restoration begins
4. Location
The mission is located at 2295 Purisima Road, Lompoc, CA.
History: 1787 to 1810
Father Fermin Lasuen founded La Purisima Mission on December 8, 1787, naming it La Purisima Concepcion de Maria Santisima, which translates to The Immaculate Conception of Mary the Most Pure. The fertile valley was known as Rio Santa Rosa by the Spanish and Algsacpi by the native Chumash Indians.
Early Years
Following a rainy winter, construction began in Spring 1788 with Fathers Vincente Fuster and Joseph Arroita constructing temporary buildings. They translated religious texts into the native language, while a corporal and five soldiers ensured protection.
With support from other missions providing resources, by December 31, 1798, La Purisima had grown to accommodate 920 inhabitants, prompting the construction of a new church.
1800-1810
In 1800, accusations arose against the mission regarding treatment of natives, which were later dismissed as unfounded. By the time Father Payeras arrived in 1804, there were 1,522 neophytes, and the mission was thriving despite challenges, such as smallpox outbreaks that claimed 500 lives between 1804 and 1807.
History: 1810 to the Present Day
1810-1820
A devastating earthquake on December 21, 1812, led to significant damage and prompted a relocation to a new site across the river. This new complex, constructed in a linear layout, allowed for better resistance to earthquakes.
1820s-1830s
With the passing of Father Payeras in 1823, tensions escalated into an armed revolt after the flogging of a La Purisima neophyte. Subsequent conflict resulted in casualties and further instability within the mission.
Secularization
In 1834, following the armed uprising and the departure of the Fathers, management of La Purisima Mission was taken over by an administrator. The site deteriorated until John Temple purchased it in 1845.
Today
In 1903, Union Oil Company acquired the property and later donated it, recognizing its historic significance. Restoration efforts began in 1935, leading to the most comprehensive restoration of California missions, completed in 1951. La Purisima now features ten fully restored buildings and offers a glimpse into California’s rich history.
Layout, Floor Plan, Buildings, and Grounds
Details about the original mission buildings are scarce. After rebuilding following the 1812 earthquake, the mission’s layout was designed to withstand future seismic activity, featuring thick walls and a sophisticated irrigation system to transport water from nearby springs.
Cattle Brand
The La Purisima Mission featured a distinctive cattle brand, derived from historical examples displayed at nearby missions. This emblem represents an important aspect of the mission’s agricultural legacy.
