Old Mission San Juan Bautista

This historic church once belonged to Spain’s extensive network of religious institutions along the US-Mexico border. The Mission San Juan Bautista was founded in 1797, making it the fifteenth church established in modern-day California. The name of the church originates in its founding day, which was dedicated to the feast day for Saint John the Baptist. The complex aimed to evangelize the native peoples, and also stake out Spain’s claim over the land. Since it was built on the San Andreas fault, the church has suffered serious damage from earthquakes. It was restored in the twentieth century. This source is part of the Historic Churches in the Southwestern US Source Collection.