Missions of California - San Luis Obispo de Tolosa

Fifth in the California mission chain, Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa was founded by Father Junipero Serra on September 1, 1772. Named for St. Louis, Bishop of Toulouse, it is the only mission with an L-shaped church. Its location boasted such a bountiful population of bear that the Spanish were able to keep other missions from starvation by sending them bear meat.

Following three fires in the thatched roofs caused by flaming Indian arrows, the determined padres set out to manufacture clay tile. The resulting rounded red roof tiles were used in the building of all future missions and made a lasting impression on California architecture.

After secularization the mission was left to deteriorate until 1875 when clapboard siding, a false ceiling and wood floor were added. Father John Harnett began restoration in 1933, with Harry Downie creating the L-shaped church to accommodate more people at services. The center of a busy downtown area, the mission functions as a parish church for the city of San Luis Obispo.