Mission San Francisco Solano Facts
Location:
114 E Spain St, Sonoma, CA 95476
Year founded:
1823
Patron saint:
St. Francis Solano.
Founder:
Native peoples:
Coast Miwok, Pomo, Suisunes, Wappo and Patwin.
Goods produced:
Some grain, also grapes and other fruit.
Features:
Adobe parish church restored as replica mission chapel with convento wing and portions of the old mission quadrangle.
Current status:
Mission San Francisco Solano is one of the two missions that is operated as a state historic park.
Historical landmark number:
California Historical Landmark no. 3
Interesting facts:
Mission San Francisco Solano was the only mission founded under Mexican rule. It was originally meant to replace both San Rafael and San Francisco de Asís. The original mission church on the opposite end of the convento wing eventually fell into disrepair and was lost. The town of Sonoma was the location of the Bear Flag Revolt that eventually separated California from Mexico.
Important dates:
- June 25, 1823: Fr. Altimira, Diputado Francisco Castro, Army Lieutenant José Sánchez and 19 soldiers set out to find a suitable location for a new mission.
- July 4, 1823: Mission San Francisco Solano is officially founded by Fr. José Altimira.
- Aug. 25, 1823: Building of the mission commences.
- April 4, 1824: The church building is dedicated.
- Fall of 1826: Local Indians raided mission supplies and set fire to the native houses at the mission.
- January 1828: Fr. José Altimira leaves California for Spain.
- June, 1846: A group of Americans raises the Bear Flag in Sonoma and declares and independent republic.
Daily life:
Daily life at Mission San Francisco Solano was very similar to life at other missions. You can learn more about daily life at the missions here.
Website:
Damian Bacich
Damian Bacich, Ph.D. writes about California and the West. He is also a professor, translator and historical researcher. You can learn more about Damian here.
