Chapter 10

After Mission San Buenaventura, there was still enough light out to head up the coast.  So up the coast we went...to Mission Santa Barbara! (I can't believe I get so excited about this.  Seriously, every time I see a Mission sign on the freeway, I am thrilled.  I think I need a life - Mom says I'm obsessively driven.  Anyway...)



Mission Santa Barbara in Santa Barbara, CA.  Est. Dec. 4, 1786.



It is always encouraging to see these signs - they represent the desire of the 'next generation' to preserve and honor the efforts of the first, or to be reminded of the past as we press on to the future.

As was the case with Mission San Buenaventura, the Mission tour was closed upon our arrival; however, there was plenty of time and sunlight to take photos of the outside exterior of the magnificent Mission. Nicknamed the "Queen of the Missions", Mission Santa Barbara was the 10th of the 21 California Missions, the first to be founded by Father Fermin de Lasuen, Father Serra's successor.  Founded December 4, 1786, on the outskirts of the main city of Santa Barbara, the "Queen" was unique in its double bell tower feature.  According to http://santabarbaramission.org/, it is the graceful lines and soft features of the Mission that further enforce its royal, feminine nickname.

Something to take note of is that land from Malibu to San Luis Obispo was occupied by the Chumash Indians, which is interesting in that there were multiple Missions between the two cities (Mission Santa Ines, Mission La Purisima de Concepcion, Mission San Luis Obispo and of course, Mission Santa Barbara).  From observation, the Missions we previously visited each ministered to a different Indian tribe, whereas there were 4 (at least) that were specifically assigned to the Chumash tribe.  Must have been a larger group of people.

One of my favorite photos of 'The Queen', this fountain was built in 1808. 

Mission Santa Barbara, #10 of 21 California Missions.

Down the corridor - most of the Missions have corridors that resemble this one at
Mission Santa Barbara.



History of Mission Santa Barbara, including record of the restoration following the earthquake of 1925.



The views from the steps of "The Queen of the Missions", Mission Santa Barbara #10 of 21.

Another view from the fountain and front - Mission Santa Barbara.

Like San Buenaventura, this might have be visited again - I can imagine the gardens are huge, and the chapel spectacular.  Mom mentioned that she believed we visited this Mission when I was a child, but I don't remember.  Hopefully the pictures will surface, and the memories clearer.  This Mission was BEAUTIFUL and a spectacular, creative, well-restored piece of history.