Chapter 13

Historical information for Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa, est. Sept. 1, 1772.

We had anticipated that our final stop would have been Mission La Purisima de Concepcion, but, having extra time during the day, we opted to continue our journey to San Luis Obispo where in the heart of the city is Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa.  After a few turn arounds, a McDonald's Coca Cola, and a quick view of the Historic Madonna Inn, we made our way to the Mission.  Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa was founded on September 1, 1772, and was the 5th of 21 California Missions.  Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa ("The Mission in the Valley of the Bears") gained its nickname in two ways: first, the area was surrounded by bears and second, it was in this valley/area that an expedition was sent to retrieve enough bear meat to save the northern Missions from starvation. 

On the front steps of Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa, #5 of 21 California Missions,
on my 28th birthday, August 5, 2011. 
Notice the year above the front entrance, similar to that at Mission San Buenaventura.

The Mission is still an active parish, so besides the lovely gardens, church and smaller museum, there wasn't much to tour; however, unique points of the church include its collection of bells in the garden area and the "L-shaped" sanctuary, which is unique to Mission San Luis Obispo. 

If you had asked me how I would spend my 28th birthday,  I never thought I would be able to experience history in such an experiential way.  My parents were most generous to give this birthday gift to me!

The Mission in 1772, located in the "Valley of the Bears".

The beautiful gardens at Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa.

The inside of the sanctury in Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa, exactly where the "L-shaped" building curves.

The fountain and the other side of the Mission's sanctuary.

This picture gives a good idea of how Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa's sanctuary is in an "L-shape", the only Mission in the 21 California Missions that is built this way.



Down the aisle and with the choir loft above at Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa. 
Woops, looks like another wedding!



Though not original, these three Mission bells share the history of why each bell is different and how each has a
special purpose.

The Mission Bells - information about the Joy Bell, the Gloria Bell, and the Sorrow Bell,
at Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa on 8/5/11.