Mission La Purísima Concepción Facts

Mission La Purísima Concepción

Location:

2295 Purisima Rd, Lompoc, CA 93436

Date founded:

December 8, 1787

Patron saint:

The Virgin Mary under the title of the Immaculate Conception.

Founder

Fr. Fermín de Lasuén.

Native peoples

Chumash — also known as Purisimeño.

Features:

Brightly colored espadaña, convento and other stone buildings. Operates as a living history park.

Current status

Mission La Purísima Concepción is one of two missions that is operated as a State historic park.

Historical landmark number:

California Historical Landmark no. 928 (original site); California Historical Landmark no. 340; National Historical Landmark

Interesting facts:

The mission was almost completely destroyed in the great earthquake of 1812. It is designated as a World Heritage Site.Video Tour of La Purísima Mission

Important events:

  • 1789: First permanent church built at the mission.
  • 1803: New church completed.
  • Dec. 21, 1812: Earthquake destroys the mission church. No one is killed, however.
  • April 23, 1813: Mission is moved to a new site.
  • February of 1824: Chumash Indians revolt
  • 1845: Ruins of the old mission are renamed La Purísima Rancho.

Website

www.lapurisimamission.org