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| Landmark #233 | Monterey County | Visited: January 10, 2014 | Plaque? YES! 🙂 |
| What is it? | The refurbished 13th mission (of 21) founded by Father Fermín Francisco de Lasuén! |
| What makes it historical? | THE GUIDE SAYS: This mission, founded October 9, 1791 by Father Fermín Francisco de Lasuén, ministered to the Indians of the Salinas Valley. Governor José Joaquín de Arrillaga died here July 24, 1814 and was buried in the chapel. Prosperous in its early years, Soledad declined after 1825, but Father Vicente Francisco Sarría stayed on in poverty to serve the Indians until his death in 1835, when the mission was secularized. It was regranted to the Bishop of Monterey in 1859. In ruins after 1874, the chapel was reconstructed and dedicated under the auspices of the Native Daughters of the Golden West, October 1955.
OTHER TIDBITS: Though it’s the smallest of the missions, this one also has the longest name: La Misión de Maria Santísima Nuestra Señora Dolorosísima de la Soledad, which means “Most Holy Mary, Our Most Sorrowful Lady of Solitude!” In short, this was not a mission built for parties and carousing! It was built to minister to the Esselen people, also one of the smallest Native American groups in California, but certainly still around in the Monterey and Big Sur area! The nearest village was called Chuttusgelis! This mission was destroyed multiple times by floods, but each time rebuilt, showing that it was and remains the little mission that could! This landmark is also listed on the National Register of Historic Places! |
| How can I Help the Helpers? | HERE’S HOW:
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| Where is this place? | LISTED DIRECTIONS: Fort Romie Rd (Co Rd G-17) 2.5 mi S of Soledad, CA 93960 (exit Hwy 101 W on Arroyo Seco Rd, right on Fort Romie Rd, follow signs) ANNOTATIONS: From Los Angeles: ~278mi (448km) — 4.7hrs |
| When should I go? | The mission is open from 10:00 AM until 4:00 PM every day except major holidays! |
