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Mission San Miguel Archangel

History & Purpose

Mission San Miguel was the sixteenth mission built in the Spanish California Mission system. Founded on July 25, 1797, it is located just north of San Luis Obispo along busy Interstate 101, approximately 150 miles south of San Jose. As you may know, the California Missions were built in Alta California between San Diego and Sonoma roughly along the present route of Highway 101. The purpose of the missions was to create a network of outposts where travelers — walking or on horseback — could move from one mission to the next in a single day. Because of this they were spaced approximately 20 miles apart. San Miguel was built to fill the link between Mission San Luis Obispo and Mission San Antonio.

There is still considerable controversy about the true overall purpose of the mission system and the methods used in carrying it out. Most historians agree the system was a means of supporting Spanish colonizing efforts, which in the beginning consisted almost entirely of mining for precious metals. The missions raised food and provided a somewhat safe sanctuary for the various colonies. The next stated reason was to civilize the Indians and convert them to Christianity. I believe all of the priests responsible for this task were sincere in wanting to make converts of the neophytes — what I would question are some of the methods used in that effort. A phrase sometimes used today to describe this approach is "tough love."

In 1795, at the urging of the Church, Governor Diego Borica ordered an expedition of soldiers sent from Monterey to find a suitable location for a mission between San Luis Obispo and San Antonio. The party was accompanied by Father Buenaventura Sitjar from Mission San Antonio. The site was found and the church was built. Father Sitjar and Father Antonio de la Concepción Horra were installed as San Miguel's first missionaries. Though the mission was not in existence for a long time before secularization, it did achieve some success while it lasted. It is presently used as both a parish church and a State Historical Society site.

A Visit in May 2000

The front entrance to Mission San Miguel Archangel, showing the restored facade of the sixteenth California mission
The front entrance to the mission. What you see here is not what the mission looked like when it was first built. In 1834 all California missions were secularized — taken from the Catholic Church and sold or simply abandoned. During the years that followed, most of the churches fell into terrible disrepair; many were vandalized, and some were severely damaged by fire and earthquake. After California became a state, many were returned to the priesthood and are still used as active parishes today, while others have been declared State Historical Monuments. All that remain have undergone major restoration, and San Miguel is one that has seen significant changes from its original appearance.
Josephine Myers at the entrance to Mission San Miguel Archangel in May 2000, on the way home from visiting Mike and his family
Josephine at the entrance, May 2000 — photographed on our way home from visiting Mike and his family.
Statue of Father Junipero Serra, founder and first president of the California Mission system, on the grounds of Mission San Miguel Archangel
The statue is of Father Junípero Serra, the first president of the California Mission system. By the time Mission San Miguel was built, Father Serra had already died and did not live to see many of the later missions completed. Father Lasuen was president of the system at the time San Miguel was founded.
The front portico of Mission San Miguel Archangel, showing the arched colonnade characteristic of the California mission style
The front portico — the arched colonnade is one of the most distinctive features of the California mission style of architecture.
A statue of St. Mary on the grounds of Mission San Miguel Archangel, surrounded by the mission's gardens
A statue of St. Mary on the mission grounds.
The peaceful grounds of Mission San Miguel Archangel, showing the mission's exterior walls and gardens
The mission grounds — a peaceful setting despite the busy interstate highway just beyond the walls.
The ornate altar inside Mission San Miguel Archangel, featuring original decorative paintings that survived secularization and restoration
The altar inside the mission. Mission San Miguel is particularly notable for its interior decorations — much of the original painted artwork on the walls and altar survived and can still be seen today, making it one of the most intact mission interiors in California.
The front patio area of Mission San Miguel Archangel with a historic cart on display
The front patio area, with a historic cart on display.
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