Santa Barbara Mission

We have visited several missions along the California Coast, but the one in Santa Barbara really struck our fancy.  Its position in Santa Barbara and its towers announce its presence on the hill, and since it is still used by the Franciscan friars, it is in great shape.

I had no idea that the woman in the book The Island of the Blue Dolphins really existed, and although the  story is fictionalized, she really lived.  She was rescued off the island after about 18 years and she came to live in the Santa Barbara mission.  Unfortunately she only lived about 8 weeks before passing away, but the story is fascinating.  That will be a new read this summer.

I particularly liked the sanctuary.  The colors, though renovated, are said to emulate the colors used when the Mission was built.  And although the mission burned and fell in earthquakes, it is still in amazing shape.

One aspect of the mission system that I had not remembered is that no mistreatment of the native people was allowed. I am sure it happened but probably with less frequency than when the conquerors arrived.

This is a mission well worth visiting!