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You are here: Home / Mission San José Facts

Mission San José Facts

Location: 43300 Mission Blvd, Fremont, CA 94539

Date founded: June 11, 1797

Patron saint: St. Joseph.

Founder: Fr. Fermín de Lasuén.

Native peoples: Primarily Ohlone, also Miwok, Patwin and Yokuts.

Goods produced: Wheat, barley, corn, beans, vegetables, olive oil, fruit and produce.

Features: Reconstructed mission church with buttresses; surviving convento wing with museum.

Current status: Roman Catholic parish.

Historical landmark number: California Historical Landmark no. 334.

Interesting facts: Mission San José had a 30-piece orchestra of Indian musicians led by Fr. Narciso Durán. It was also the home of Estanislao, a Native American who led a revolt and fought the Mexican army for years.

Important events:

  • 1805: Smallpox and measles epidemic hits the mission, killing over 100 Indians.
  • April 22, 1809: New church dedicated.
  • 1819: Dam and irrigation system built.
  • 1824: Fr. José Durán becomes father president of the missions and uses San José as his headquarters.
  • 1828: Former alcalde Estanislao leads hundreds of neophytes in a revolt.
  • October 21, 1868: Earthquake destroys most of the mission buildings. Only padres’ living quarters remain standing.

Daily life: Daily life at Mission San José was very similar to life at other missions. You can learn more about daily life at the missions here.

Website: www.missionsanjose.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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