San Miguel Chapel Site facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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San Miguel Chapel Site
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A Mission Bell and monument sign mark the natural park site.
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 Location in California
Location in the United States
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| Nearest city | Ventura, California |
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| Area | 0.7 acres (0.28 ha) |
| Built | 1819 |
| NRHP reference No. | 78000826 |
| Added to NRHP | July 20, 1978 |
The San Miguel Chapel Site is an archeological site in Ventura, California. This means it's a place where scientists study old things to learn about the past. It was once the first small base for Mission San Buenaventura. This mission was a very important building being built nearby.
The San Miguel Chapel itself was just outside a walled garden. This garden was part of the mission's design. Today, the site is an open park. You can find it in downtown Ventura at Thompson Boulevard and Palm Street. The city parks department protects this special place. They have added signs and art to help people learn about its history.
Contents
Discovering the Past: History of the Site
Uncovering Old Foundations
In 1974, students from Moorpark College started digging at the site. This digging is called an "excavation." They found old rock foundations from buildings. They also found parts of an aqueduct. An aqueduct is like a water pipe system that carried water to the mission. They even found pieces of a painted wall!
Becoming a Historic Landmark
The city of Ventura started buying the land in 1975. The City Council agreed that this site was important. They wanted it to be on the national list of historic places. They also called it "Historic Point of Interest Number 16." In 1978, the site was officially added to the National Register of Historic Places. This means it's a very important historical spot in the United States.
More Recent Discoveries
In 2007, more digging happened nearby. Workers found a part of the mission orchard wall. This wall was built with large stones. Some stones weighed 40 to 50 pounds! This dig happened before new apartments were built. They found many old items. These items showed that the area had a long history. They found things from Ventura County's first courthouse, jail, and hospital. They also found beads made from shells. These shells came from the ocean nearby.
Exploring the Land: Geography and Nature
Ancient People of the Area
Scientists believe people have lived in this area for a very long time. They think humans were here at least 10,000 to 12,000 years ago. A nearby place called Shisholop Village was home to the Chumash people. The Chumash were Native Americans who lived in this region. This village was likely a main center for them. Records show the village was settled around 1000 A.D.
The Chumash were skilled boat builders. They made special boats called Tomols. These boats were built from planks of wood. They used them to sail to the Channel Islands. The village site is now at Figueroa Street and the ocean. It's near Seaside Park. The city named it Historic Point of Interest #18.
The Old Oak Tree
There is a very old tree at the San Miguel Chapel site. It's a "Coast Live Oak Tree." This tree is called "Historic Landmark Number 96." The City Council officially recognized it in 2006. It's at the southwest corner of the chapel site. This tree is the biggest of its kind in Ventura. Experts think it is between 160 and 200 years old!
El Camino Real Bell
The San Miguel Chapel site is also along El Camino Real. This is a historic route that connects the old California missions. A special mission bell marker has been placed here. It helps people remember this important historical path.
Images for kids
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A Mission Bell and monument sign mark the natural park site.
See also
