Missions of California

Mission Santa Inés was founded on September 17, 1804, by Father Estevan Tapis. Named after St. Agnes, it is 19th in the mission chain. Located in the beautiful Santa Ynez Valley, with miles of fertile land, this mission quickly flourished.

The Chumash Indians were familiar with mission work and learned their trades well. In 1824, however, tired of harsh treatment by the soldiers, the Indians revolted and burned many of the mission buildings.

Santa Inés was a lonely place with few visitors. In fact, travelers were so rare that when one was spotted, the bells were rung and everyone at the mission came to greet them. The original chapel was destroyed in the earthquake of 1812 and the present brick and adobe building was completed in 1817.

After secularization the mission fell into disrepair until restoration was started by the new mission pastor in 1904. Major restoration began in 1947, financed by the Hearst Foundation. Today the mission is an active parish, cared for by the Franciscan Order.