Near Lompoc in Santa Barbara County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)

La Purisima Mission State Historic Park

Photographed by Syd Whittle, March 21, 2006

1. La Purisima Mission State Historic Park Marker

Inscription. Across this bridge lies California's eleventh mission and a glimpse of life during the 1820's. The Civilian Conservation Corps restored the buildings and grounds between 1934 - 1941. We hope you enjoy your visit to the past.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Charity & Public Work • Colonial Era • Religion & Religious Structures • Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), and the National Historic Landmarks series lists. A significant historical year for this entry is 1934.

Location. 34° 40.241′ N, 120° 25.253′ W. Marker is near Lompoc, California, in Santa Barbara County. It can be reached from the intersection of Purisima and Mission Gate Road. Marker is located at the entrance to the La Purisima Mission State Historic Park, north of the parking lot. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Lompoc CA 93436, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is on the Central Coast,

specifically on the Coast Ranges,

and specifically in the Transverse Ranges.

It is also on the American

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Pacific Coast.

Globally, it is in North America,

on the Ring of Fire,

on the Pacific Rim,

in the Western Hemisphere,

in the Western World,

and in the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain

and also Mexico’s Alta California.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 4 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: La Purisima Mission (approx. 1.1 miles away); a different marker also named La Purisima Mission (approx. 2.9 miles away); The Lilley Building (approx. 3 miles away); Odd Fellows Building (approx. 3.1 miles away); The 50th Anniversary of Landsat (approx. 3.1 miles away); Lompoc's Mission Vieja (approx. 3.1 miles away); Lompoc Carnegie Library (approx. 3.1 miles away); Italian Stone Pines (approx. 3.1 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Lompoc.

Also see . . . La Purisima Mission State Historic Park. (Submitted on September 6, 2008, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona.)

Additional commentary.
1. National Historic Landmark - Statement of Significance (as of designation-April 15, 1970)
This is an outstanding example of a detailed restoration

National Historic Landmark Plaque image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Syd Whittle, March 21, 2006

2. National Historic Landmark Plaque

of a representative mission complex and gardens in an unaltered rural setting. The first mission, founded in 1787, was destroyed by an earthquake in 1812; the present buildings are a reconstruction (1935-42) of a second mission which fell into disrepair after secularization in 1834.

— Submitted September 27, 2008, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona.

Cemetery - El Camposanto image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Syd Whittle, March 21, 2006

3. Cemetery - El Camposanto

One cross stands in memory of the early Californians who are buried in the cemetery

Vintage Postcard of Mission Ruins Prior to Restoration image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Detroit Publishing Company

4. Vintage Postcard of Mission Ruins Prior to Restoration

Bell Tower - El Campanario image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Syd Whittle, March 21, 2006

5. Bell Tower - El Campanario

The design and size of La Purisima's original belfry is unknown. The uppermost bell carved from wood. The placement of wooden bells was common until the mission could purchase a bronze bell.

Photographed by Syd Whittle, March 21, 2006

6. Corral

The Mission Livestock Inventory for 1820 lists: 9,500 cattle, 12,600 sheep, 1,305 horses, 288 mules, 86 swine, 40 goats and 15 burros. The ducks, turkeys and chickens were not counted.

Credits. This page was last revised on September 19, 2022. It was originally submitted on September 6, 2008, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. This page has been viewed 3,367 times since then and 43 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on September 6, 2008, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. 2. submitted on September 19, 2008, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on September 6, 2008, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. • Kevin W. was the editor who published this page.