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You are here: Home / California History / Mission San Juan Bautista Facts

Mission San Juan Bautista Facts

By Damian Bacich

Mission San Juan Bautista (Photo by Damian Bacich)

Location: 406 2nd St, San Juan Bautista, CA 95045

Year founded: 1797

Patron saint: St. John the Baptist.

Founder: Fr. Fermín de Lasuén.

Native peoples: Mutsun (Ohlone), also Yokuts from the San Joaquin Valley.

Goods produced: Wheat, barley, corn, beans, peas.

Features: Mexican-era plaza with historical buildings; adobe church with ladrillo (brick) façade, convento wing with tiled corridor.

Current status: Roman Catholic parish.

Historical landmark number: California Historical Landmark no. 195; National Historical Landmark

Interesting facts: When it was first built in 1812, it was the largest church building in Alta California. San Juan Bautista was home to Fr. Felipe Arroyo de la Cuesta, who learned at least seven Indian languages and wrote a book on the native languages of northern Alta California.

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

Website: www.oldmissionsjb.org

Filed Under: California History

About 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.

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