|
By Founding Date
| ||
|
South to North
| ||
Personal ObservationsVentura is not far from my home, but the first time I ever visited the mission was in 2002, a few months after marrying my wife. It is not large, but Mission San Buenaventura is an important part of the community. |
 Mission Art & Photo-Art |
|
Mission San Buenaventura was the last mission founded by Father Junipero Serra. Originally planned to be the third mission in Alta California, midway before the first mission in San Diego and the second mission in Carmel. Because of problems at other missions, military escort was not available for twelve years. Father Junipero Serra raised a cross and celebrated mass on Easter Sunday, March 31, 1782. The first mission church was destroyed by fire about 1794 and a new large stone church was begin. The new church was completed and dedicated in 1809. This new church was severely damaged by an earthquake in 1812 and was reinforced. Because of an excellent climate and plentiful water from the Ventura river, carried to the mission in a seven-mile-long aqueduct, Mission San Buenaventura produced a variety of fruits, vegetables, and grains. Even exotic crops such as sugar cane, bananas, coconuts, and figs, were produced. Following secularization in 1836, the mission was stripped of most of its property. The mission church continued to be used as a parish church. The church was restored to original appearance in 1957, removing improvements made in the 1890s. |
|
211 East Main Street Ventura, CA 93001--2622 From Highway 101 north: Exit California Street. Turn right onto California street. Turn left onto East Main Street. Proceed a few blocks and mission is on the right. From Highway 101 south: Exit Ventura Avenue. Proceed north to Main street. Turn right. Right turn into parkling lot before Ventura Museum. Mission is accross the street. |
 Church front facade. Photo date: 3-7-04. |
 Church Interior. Photo date: 3-7-04. |
|
Mission
San Buenaventura Main Page |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
By Founding Date
| ||
|
South to North
| ||
|
|