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:
Mission San Miguel is an active 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.