Mission Nuestra Señora de la Soledad facts for kids
.jpg)
Mission Nuestra Señora de la Soledad
|
|
 Location in California
|
|
| Location | 36641 Fort Romie Road Soledad, California 93960 |
|---|---|
| Coordinates | 36°24′16.6278″N 121°21′20.9046″W / 36.404618833°N 121.355806833°W |
| Name as founded | La Misión de María Santísima, Nuestra Señora Dolorosísima de la Soledad |
| English translation | The Mission of Mary Most Holy, Our Most Sorrowful Lady of Solitude |
| Patron | Our Lady of Solitude, Our Most Sorrowful Lady of Solitude |
| Nickname(s) | "The Holy Mission" |
| Founding date | October 9, 1791 |
| Founding priest(s) | Fermín Francisco de Lasuén |
| Founding Order | Thirteenth |
| Military district | Third |
| Native tribe(s) Spanish name(s) |
Chalon, Esselen, Yokuts, Salinan |
| Native place name(s) | Chuttusqelis |
| Baptisms | 2,131 (by 1832) |
| Marriages | 648 (by 1832) |
| Burials | 1,705 (by 1832) |
| Secularized | 1835 |
| Returned to the Church | 1859 |
| Governing body | Roman Catholic Diocese of Monterey |
| Current use | Chapel / Museum |
| Reference no. |
|
Mission Nuestra Señora de la Soledad (which means Our Lady of Solitude Mission in Spanish), often called Mission Soledad, is a historic Spanish mission found in Soledad, California. It was started by the Franciscan order on October 9, 1791. The mission's goal was to teach the local Native American people about the Catholic religion and Spanish way of life.
This mission was the thirteenth of the 21 Spanish missions built in California. It is named after Mary, Our Lady of Solitude. The nearby town of Soledad also gets its name from this mission. After 1835, the mission was no longer run by the church. Its buildings were later taken apart for materials, and it became a ruin.
A big project to restore the mission began in 1954. A new chapel was finished in 1955. Today, this chapel is used for church services. The old priests' house was also rebuilt and now serves as a museum.
Contents
History of Mission Soledad
When Was Mission Soledad Founded?
Mission Nuestra Señora de la Soledad, whose full name is La Misión de María Santísima, Nuestra Señora Dolorosísima de la Soledad, was founded on October 9, 1791. It was established by Fermín Francisco de Lasuén. This made it the 13th of the 21 missions built in California.
Who Lived at Mission Soledad?
Many Chalon, who are a group of the Ohlone Native Americans, were the first to live at the mission. Later, Esselen and Yokuts people also joined the mission community. By 1803, there were 627 Native Americans living at Mission Soledad. Many Chalon people married Esselen speakers at the mission. Other Yokuts people were brought to the mission between 1806 and 1834.
What Was Life Like at the Mission?
The mission had many animals, including 1,150 cattle, about 5,000 sheep, 30 pigs, 670 horses, and 40 mules. These animals were important for food, clothing, and transportation.
Spanish Governor José Joaquín de Arrillaga died on July 24, 1814, while visiting the mission. He was buried in the mission's chapel.
Why Did the Mission Fall Apart?
The mission faced many challenges. It was flooded several times in 1824, 1828, and 1832. After 1835, the Mexican government decided to take control of the missions. This process was called secularization. During this time, Pio Pico sold the mission. The remaining buildings were then taken apart, and their materials were used for other purposes. The land that belonged to the mission became known as Rancho Ex-Mission Soledad.
Rebuilding and What It Is Today
How Was Mission Soledad Rebuilt?
In 1954, when the work to restore Mission Soledad began, most of it was in ruins. Only piles of adobe dirt and a few parts of the original walls were left. The main chapel was rebuilt and officially opened again on October 9, 1955. This work was supported by the Native Daughters of the Golden West.
You can still see the old ruins of the quadrangle (a square courtyard), the cemetery, and some outer rooms. These parts have not been fully rebuilt. Governor Arrillaga's grave was found, and a new marker was placed there.
What Is Mission Soledad Used For Now?
.jpg)
Today, Mission Nuestra Señora de la Soledad is a working Catholic chapel. People can attend church services there. It also serves as a public museum where visitors can learn about its history.
See also
In Spanish: Misión Nuestra Señora de la Soledad para niños
- Spanish missions in California
- List of Spanish missions in California
- USNS Mission Soledad (AO-136) – a ship named after the mission that was used during World War II.
