La Purísima Mission State Historic Park facts for kids
Quick facts for kids La Purísima Mission State Historic Park |
|
|---|---|
|
|
 La Purísima Mission State Historic Park
Location in California
La Purísima Mission State Historic Park
Location in the United States
|
|
| Location | Santa Barbara County, California, USA |
| Nearest city | Lompoc, California |
| Area | 1,934 acres (783 ha) |
| Established | 1935 |
| Governing body | California Department of Parks and Recreation |
La Purísima Mission State Historic Park is a special state park in California, United States. It is home to La Purísima Mission, which is known as the most fully restored Spanish mission in California.
Imagine stepping back in time! Ten of the original mission buildings have been completely restored. They are even furnished with items from the past. You can explore the church, various shops, living areas, and a blacksmith shop.
The park also has gardens and farm animals. These show what life was like at the mission in the 1820s. Throughout the year, the park hosts special living history events. These events help visitors experience the past firsthand.
There is a visitor center with lots of information. You can see displays and old artifacts. A self-guided tour lets you explore the mission at your own pace. It offers a peek into an important time in California's history.
This large park covers about 1,934 acres (783 hectares). It is located near Lompoc, California. The park was officially opened in 1935.
Contents
History of La Purísima Mission
Founding the Mission
The mission's full name is Misión de la Purísima Concepción de la Santísima Virgen María. This means "Mission of the Immaculate Conception of Most Holy Mary." It was founded on December 8, 1787. Father Presidente Fermin de Lasuén started it.
This was the eleventh of 21 Franciscan missions built in Alta California. These missions were set up by Spanish missionaries. They aimed to spread the Catholic faith and Spanish culture.
Earthquake and Relocation
A very strong earthquake hit on December 21, 1812. Many of the mission buildings were destroyed. Father Mariano Payeras got permission to move the mission.
They moved it about 4 miles (6.4 km) northeast. The new spot was in La Cañada de los Berros. It was also next to El Camino Real, an old historic road.
La Purísima Mission officially reopened at its new location on April 23, 1813. Workers used materials saved from the damaged buildings. They finished building the new mission within ten years.
End of the Mission Era
The time of the California missions ended in 1834. The Mexican government had become independent from Spain. They decided to take control of the missions. Control moved from the Catholic Church to government officials.
Over time, the mission property became privately owned. The buildings slowly fell apart. They became ruins.
Restoring the Mission
In 1933, the Union Oil Company gave some land to the State of California. This land included the old mission site. The National Park Service then led a big restoration project.
The Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) played a huge role. The CCC was a program during the Great Depression. Young men worked on public projects. They restored or rebuilt many of the mission's adobe buildings. This brought the mission back to life.
Future of the Park
In 2008, La Purísima Mission State Historic Park faced a challenge. It was one of many state parks that might have closed. Luckily, these closures were avoided. The state parks system cut hours and maintenance instead. This helped keep the parks open for everyone to enjoy.
Images for kids
-
La Purísima Mission
