|
Welcome to Old Mission San Luis Rey de Francia! The King of the Missions. Founded in 1798 by
Fr. Fermin Lasuen, successor to Fr. Junipero Serra, Mission San Luis Rey became the
largest of the 21 Spanish missions established in Alta California.
This Mission, 18th in the chain, was named after King Luis IX of France, a 13th century saint
and patron of the Franciscans.
|
| |
LUISENO INDIANS
Prior to Spanish occupation, the Luiseno people inhabited this area for
hundreds of years. Their villages were located in valleys, along streams, by the coast
and near the mountains. Luiseno homes were dome shaped and constructed of tules over a
branch frame. It was the chief and shaman who saw to it that laws were obeyed in the
village. The women gathered most of the plant foods, while the men usually hunted for
animals and fish. The Luisenos made tools out of stone, such as pestles for grinding
and pounding. They created baskets from grasses and natural fibers and used them for
gathering and preparing food.
|
| |
SPANISH MISSION
The establishment of the missions in Alta California was not authorized
until the threat of Russian encroachment into the area. In its long history of
colonization, Spain had learned that land could be claimed inexpensively by establishing
a mission - sending dedicated padres,
a handful of soldiers and a few supplies. With a shortage of Spaniards in the New World,
Spain decided to colonize with the indigenous people. The Franciscans were chosen, not
only to preach to the Indians, but to teach them new skills so they could become
productive citizens for Spain. Father Antonio Peyri was put in charge of Mission San
Luis Rey, from the day of its founding on June 13th, 1798 until his departure in January
1832. Between these years the Mission became home to approximately 3,000 Indians.
With their labor,the Mission cared for more than 50,000 head of
livestock, and large sections of Mission lands were brought under cultivation. Grapes,
oranges, olives, wheat and corn were some of the crops produced. Fields were irrigated by
water channeled from the San Luis Rey river just north of the Mission. The Mission soon
became self-sustaining. Its buildings were constructed of adobe, fired clay bricks and
wooden timbers, and by 1830, the Mission was the largest building in California.
|
| |
MEXICAN SECULARIZATION
After Mexico won its independence from Spain in 1821, the law of
secularization was passed, giving each mission a 10-year period to fulfill their function
of instructing the Indians. The land was then to be handed over to the Indians. After
this time, the missions would be rplaced by another colonial institition, the pueblo.
This last step was long overdue in Alta California. The last step was long overdue in
Alta California. The law was enacted at the Mission in 1833. However, the Mission came
under the control of various secular administrators who managed to gain title to large
portions of former mission land and thousands of livestock, leaving nothing to the Luisenos.
|
| |
AMERICAN MILITARY
From 1847-1857 the Mission was used as an operational base by US soldiers.
Notable figures that served at the mission include General Stephen W. Kearny, Kit Carson
and the Mormon Battalion. Some troops stationed at the Mission were ordered to take charge
and prevent any vandalism. Others assisted ranchers in dismantling rooms and
provided building materials for their own homes. In 1850 California became part of the United
States, and the Catholic Bishop of California petitioned the U.S. government for the return
of the missions. In 1865 the Mission was returned to the Catholic Church by Abraham Lincoln.
It continued to lay abandoned until 1892.
|
| |
20th CENTURY RESTORATION
In 1892 a group of Franciscans from Zacatecas, Mexico sought refuge
at the Mission, looking for a novitiate site. They were assigned
to San Luis Rey under the guidance of Fr. Joseph Jeremias O’Keefe who is referred to
as the "Rebuilder of the Mission." From 1892 to 1912, Fr. O’Keefe repaired the
church and rebuilt the living quarters on the foundations of the old Mission
(where the museum sits today). The quadrangle was rebuilt in 1949 as part of a Franciscan
college which is the Retreat Center. During the 1950’s
and 60’s the Friars uncovered ruins of the soldier barracks and lavanderia from layers of dirt
accumulated over the years. In 1984 a restoration effort to stabilize and preserve the
exterior of the church building was completed. Mission restoration and preservation is an
ongoing process, and archaeological investigations continue to unearth the past.
|
Items of Interest...
