California Missions – San Francisco Solano
Founded: July 4, 1823 – The Twenty-first and last of the California Missions
Named For: Saint Francis Solano, a Spanish Franciscan who served for 20 years as a missionary in Peru and Paraguay.
Also Called: Sonoma Mission
Mission Site: In the center of Sonoma, 40 miles north of San Francisco.
Layout: Traditional quadrangle, near which the town of Sonoma developed.
Mission Church: The current church is an authentic restoration of the 1840 church, rebuilt in 1911-13 with the support of the Historic Landmark League, which acquired the property in 1903. The last major restoration was in 1943-44. The church measures 105 feet long and is 22 feet wide.
Special Attraction: The wing that was the padre’s quarters is now a museum. What was the dining room in this section of the mission now displays mission paintings done by Chris Jorgensen between 1903-1905. The Mexican-era soldiers barracks (just across from the mission) has been restored and now contain a small museum and a gift shop.
Current Status: Sold to a private party in 1881. Now part of Sonoma State Historic Park.
