What is Mission Soledad like today?

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It's Happening In Soledad
What is special about Mission Soledad?
What did the Native Americans do at Mission Soledad?
Who rebuilt Mission Nuestra Senora de la Soledad?
Why was the location of Mission Soledad chosen?

Welcome

La Misión de María Santísima, Nuestra Señora de la Soledad is located in the Salinas Valley near Soledad, California. Founded in 1791 by Father Fermin Lasuen, Mission Soledad is the thirteenth mission to be founded in California. It is nestled in the heart of the wine country known as the Santa Lucia Highlands and there are three wineries within two miles of the mission. Los Padres National Forest is to the south of the mission and the Pinnacles National Monument is to the east. Monterey Bay is fifty minutes to the northwest.

The grounds and gift shop are staffed by volunteers and a caretaker lives on site. Please stop off at the gift shop to acquire a self-guided tour, ask any questions or purchase unique religious and gift items.

Soledad Mission News

It's Happening In Soledad

Read about the latest news and events coming out of the Soledad Mission.

What is special about Mission Soledad?

The mission was founded by the Franciscan order on October 9, 1791 to convert the Native Americans living in the area to Catholicism. It was the thirteenth of California's Spanish missions, and is named for Mary, Our Lady of Solitude. The town of Soledad is named for the mission.

What did the Native Americans do at Mission Soledad?

The Indian tribes at the mission were the Chalon, Esselen,Yokuts, and the Salinan. Water was brought from the Salinas and Arroyo Seco Rivers through a five-mile system of cement aqueducts, which was built by the Salinan Indians. The mission people grew wheat, barley, corn, beans, and peas.

Who rebuilt Mission Nuestra Senora de la Soledad?

On Oct. 9, 1791, the Franciscan monk Father Fermín Francisco de Lasuén erected a cross in a place known to the Native Americans as Chuttusgelis about 40 miles (65 kilometers) southeast of Monterey in central California. There he founded the mission Nuestra Señora de la Soledad (Our Lady of Solitude).

Why was the location of Mission Soledad chosen?

The Soledad Mission location was chosen because it provided a break on the 100-mile journey between San Antonio de Padua to the south and Carmel to the north.