The person who started my mission was father junipero serra. Joseph halpin has a masters degree in music history and teaches at ramona convent. Lee panich is an assistant professor of anthropology at santa clara university. In 1851, the mission became the site of a college, the oldest university in california. The mission itself was founded in 1777 as the eighth mission founded by father serra. With its fertile land and large indian population, the bay area proved an excellent location for the mission, and it quickly became one of the most prosperous in the mission system. In 1926, fire razed the entire mission structure and was rebuilt in 1928 as part of the santa clara university campus. Take the alameda exit toward santa clara then get on the 82 north ramp toward santa clara university. The tools that they received from the government were supplemental to the physical labor that the indian provided.
The california missions california missions foundation. Discovering mission santa clara established in 1777, the mission barely survived. Throughout the history of the mission, the bells have rung faithfully every evening, a promise made to king charles iii. Hardships and changes to the mission the problems at my mission was that there was a fire and 2 bells cracked and 1 melted in the fire. First founded in 1777 on the banks of the guadalupe river just north of highway 101 near the mineta international airport runway. Early history essay santa clara county, california.
This was the first mission named for a woman, saint claire of assisi, founder of the poor clares order of nuns. Orange county, california california mission ebooks. It was first founded january 12, 1777 on the banks of the guadalupe river just north of hwy 101 near the mineta international airport runway and it was the first to bear the name of a woman, st. Typically a very limited military presence was maintained at the missions and the presidio acted as the garrison for the surrounding missions. Twentyone spanish missions were constructed in santa clara and throughout what would become california and the united states from 1769 through 1823. It was founded january 12, 1777, as the eighth mission in the growing chain of franciscan settlements. Sorry, there are no tours or activities available to book online for the dates you. The california missions are very interesting and historical. Mar 03, 2016 the many churches of mission santa clara. Today it is also the heart of santa clara university. The california missions from san diego to sonoma, 21 missions create a unique trail of history across california.
Named after saint clare of assisi, who was a contemporary of saint francis of assisi, it is the first california mission to honor a female saint. The eighth franciscan mission established in california. At the heart of santa clara university, the beautiful modern recreation of mission santa clara s historic church links the university to its rich past. Father serra established 9 missions before his death and burial at mission san carlos. Francis of assisi, this was the first california mission to be named. The original mission was moved many times due to flooding of the guadalupe river. The problems at my mission was that there was a fire and 2 bells cracked and 1 melted in the fire. California missions, footsteps of history, mission santa.
The book included info on how to entice natives to join the missions, what the daily schedule should be, and other details. The mission, which was the eighth in california, was founded on january 12, 1777. They taught their new converts the standard mission skills. Phyllis filiberti butler, in the valley of santa clara historic buildings, 17921920, states the padron of 1825 showed 1,450 devout souls at santa clara, most of whom were indian. The red wax seals on the map bear the brands used by each of the california missions. This mission is a must see if you are in the area and appreciate historical. Historic mission santa clara is a consecrated roman catholic church situated on the campus of santa clara university.
The already existing spanish catholic missions were not pleased with this, but could do nothing to stop it. From the baptismal record, we know that clara was a native child born approximately six months before she was baptized. The site first chosen was near guadalupe river, not far from the head of san francisco bay, and about 3 miles from its present position. Francis of assisi, this was the first california mission to be. Santa clara city history santa clara public library. See more ideas about santa clara, california missions and santa clara university. The padres gave her the spanish name of clara as a tribute to the santa clara mission. Enjoy santa clara for its unique history, well landscaped grounds, and the vibrant spirit of a large. It was the first california mission to honor a female saint.
The book cemeteries of santa clara is a pictorial history compiled by bea. Located 40 miles southeast of san francisco, the original site chosen was new the guadalupe river and within the year a small wooden church was built. Santa clara university, the oldest college in california, is also the only college in the state to be the successor of a spanish mission. His current research includes a collaborative project with tsim schneider uc. The museum is generally open tuesdaysunday, but was closed when we arrived during the school holiday. A mission museum is located on the campus offering a firsthand glimpse into the mission s history. At the heart of santa clara university, the beautiful modern recreation of mission santa claras historic church links the university to its rich past. He has conducted archaeological excavations at mission santa clara, as well as at the dominican mission of santa catalina in baja california, mexico. Also known as mission santa clara, this mission is the site of the first and oldest university in. First founded in 1777 on the banks of the guadalupe river just north of highway 101. Spanish catholics of the franciscan order established missions in the area during this period to establish a series of military and religious outposts. Part of the region known as silicon valley, the mission sits on the campus of santa clara university, a jesuit catholic university that serves more than 8,000 students each year. The third church was destroyed by earthquake in 1818.
The mission, dating back to 1777, was the first outpost of spanish civilization in the santa clara valley. Santa clara mission offers glimpse into the citys rich history. Mission santa clara was the 8th mission founded in the alta california mission chain. The missions today are important to california and its history. California today is a leader in agriculture and religon. Gr 36these books combine general history about spanish exploration and colonization in the new world with information about each missions founding. Also known as mission santa clara, this mission is the site of the first and oldest university in california, santa clara university, which was founded in 1851.
One of their biggest problems was that there was a disease. They had corrals for their horses and cattle, a bridge across the river, and they had planted some grain. The mission became californias first college in 1851. Youll also find some great suggestions for further reading. On june 6 th, of 1777, she was the first baby baptized by the priests of the mission.
In mid1777, lieutenant moraga and a large group of colonists arrived from mexico. It was the 8th mission in the 21 mission chain in alta california. The missions impacted california because it changed the economy from huntergathers to agriculture today. Founded in 1777 by father serra, the mission was important as the second of two settlements placed near the great san francisco port to protect it from enemy attack or occupation the indians in the area were friendly but spent their time at. Hardships and changes to the mission mission santa clara. They also got attacked by new spain because they didnt like how father serra ran the missions. Readers will also be introduced to themes of economics, distribution, and time. Heres a brief summary of the winding path that led to the current church. Santa clara mission church santa clara mission facts. The site was moved four times to its current location after floods, fires and earthquakes forced it further away from the guadalupe river and up onto higher ground. Saint clare was a nun that founded the order of the poor clares.
93 235 72 36 102 72 582 1403 1422 392 80 255 1363 1240 244 871 526 48 645 219 32 325 1389 1197 1278 771 1385 461 422 1222 987 1159 173 1226 711 1194 21 768 995 144