Missions of California - San Miguel Arcángel

St. Michael the Archangel is the namesake for the 16th mission, founded by Father Fermin de Lasuen on July 25, 1797. San Miguel has a variety of arch shapes and sizes, unique among existing mission structures. Spanish painter Esteban Munras instructed the Indians in painting, and many fine examples can still be seen in the church today.

The Salinan Indians had eagerly awaited the establishment of this mission, and the number of converts soon grew to over 1000. The Salinans were skilled at making roof tiles, which were sold or traded to other missions. An elaborate system of aqueducts carried water within the mission's 50-mile radius, and the fertile soil provided excellent agricultural products.

After secularization the mission was used for a variety of purposes, including a saloon, dance hall and private living quarters. In 1878 Father Philip Farrelly became the pastor of Mission San Miguel Arcángel, and it was returned to the Franciscan Order in 1928. Since then the mission has been repaired and restored, and the best preserved church in the mission chain is today an active parish church.