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You are here: Home / Mission La Purísima Concepción Facts

Mission La Purísima Concepción Facts

Mission La Purísima ConcepciónLocation: 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: 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

I’m Dr. Damian Bacich, and I started the California Frontier Project. Learn more about me and the project here.

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