Mission San Miguel
Mission San Miguel is one of California's historical and
cultural treasures. The beautiful old mission building, whose
foundations were laid nearly 200 years ago, is a precious part of our
spiritual heritage, with a story that is integral to California's
history.
Father Fermin Francisco de Lasuén founded Mission San Miguel on July
25, 1797. Almost two years earlier, the site was selected to close the
gap between Mission San Antonio and Mission San Luis Obispo. It was a
beautiful spot on the Salinas River called Vahca by the natives, Las
Pozas by the Spaniards or "The Wells". The mission was to be named for
the "Most Glorious Prince of the Celestial Militia, Archangel Saint
Michael". Father Buenaventura Sitjar, the first administrator
at Mission San Miguel had ministered to the Salinan people for 25 years
at Mission San Antonio prior to his arrival at Mission San Miguel.
Father Sitjar was fluent in the Salinan language and baptized 15 youth
the first day Mission San Miguel was established.
