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You are here: Home / Mission San Buenaventura Facts

Mission San Buenaventura Facts

Location: 211 E Main St, Ventura, CA 93001

Date founded: March 31, 1782

Patron saint: St. Bonaventure.

Founder: Fr. Junípero Serra.

Native peoples: Chumash — also known as Ventureño

Goods produced: Wheat, barley, corn, beans, peas, lentils, garbanzos and fava beans.

Features: Whitewashed church made of adobe and ladrillo, with a buttress and bell tower attached to the façade.

Current status: Roman Catholic Parish.

Historical landmark number: California Historical Landmark no. 309

Interesting facts: San Buenaventura is the first mission founded among the Chumash people. It is also the last mission founded by Junípero Serra.

Important events:

  • 1791: First mission church burns down.
  • 1793: English explorer George Vancouver stops at mission to resupply.
  • September 9, 1809: Present church completed and dedicated.
  • Dec. 8, 1812: Mission heavily damaged in earthquake. Campanario collapsed.
  • May 23, 1862: Mission church returned to Catholic Church by President Lincoln.

Website: www.sanbuenaventuramission.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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