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You are here: Home / Mission San Miguel Arcángel Facts

Mission San Miguel Arcángel Facts

Location: 775 Mission St, San Miguel, CA 93451

Date founded: July 25, 1797

Patron saint: The Archangel St. Michael.

Founder: Fr. Fermín de Lasuén.

Native peoples: Salinan (local), as well as Yokuts from the San Joaquin Valley.

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

Features: Adobe church with original native artwork on interior walls, portion of convento.

Current status: Roman Catholic parish.

Historical landmark number: California Historical Landmark no. 326; National Historical Landmark

Interesting facts: A fire almost destroyed the mission in 1806. There were plans to establish a presidio and some missions directly east of San Miguel, but changes with Mexican independence made it impossible.

Important events:

  • August 1806: Fire breaks out and destroys two rows of buildings and part of the church roof.
  • 1818: Current church completed.
  • 1821: Estevan Munras, arrives at the mission to lead the decoration of the church interior.
  • 1831: Indians of San Miguel vote to remain at the mission with the padres instead of being secularized.
  • December 1848: Family of William Reed is killed by bandits.

Website: www.missionsanmiguel.org/

More about Mission San Miguel Arcángel:

  • Indian Life at Mission San Miguel Arcángel
  • Choosing a Mission Site: San Miguel Arcángel

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

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