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You are here: Home / Mission Santa Clara de Asís Facts

Mission Santa Clara de Asís Facts

Location: 500 El Camino Real, Santa Clara, CA 95053

Date founded: January 12, 1777

Patron saint: St. Clare of Assisi.

Founder: Fr. Junípero Serra.

Native peoples: Ohlone (Costanoan), Yokuts (from the Central Valley).

Goods produced: Wheat, other crops.

Features: Restored church built in 1929 after being destroyed by fire in 1926, old adobe room and wall from mission period. Church interior with many pieces of surviving mission-era artwork.

Current status: University chapel.

Historical landmark number: California Historical Landmark no. 338

Interesting facts:

  • Mission Santa Clara de Asís is the only mission located on a university campus.
  • The mission church was rebuilt five times, the last time after a fire in 1925.
  • A bell given by King Carlos IV in 1798 to Mission Santa Clara hangs in the bell tower in the current church.

Important events:

  • May 15, 1784: Fr. Junípero Serra dedicates the church building.
  • January 2, 1847: Battle of Santa Clara in the Mexican-American War takes place near the mission.
  • May, 1851: Mission Santa Clara becomes Santa Clara College.
  • Fire destroys the church in 1926. It is rebuilt in 1928.

Daily life: Daily life at Mission Santa Clara de Asís was very similar to life at other missions. You can learn more about daily life at the missions here.

Website: www.scu.edu/missionchurch

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

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