Facts About San Fernando Rey De España That Will Surprise You

Franciscan priests founded 21 missions in California from 1769-1823 with the permission of King Charles III of Spain.

It was to populate the region and convert its native population to Christianity. It all started in the northern region of Achoicominga village and place had one of the many Tataviam community populations. 

The mission became secular in 1834, rejoined the Catholic Church in 1861, and was converted to a functioning church in 1920. The mission buildings are now used as a museum, and the church is a chapel of ease for the Los Angeles Archdiocese. This mission closed the gap between San Buenaventura and San Gabriel Convento.

History Of San Fernando Rey De España Mission

Father Fermín Lasuén established Mission San Fernando Rey de España on September 8, 1797, bridging the distance between missions. It bridged San Buenaventura on the coast side and San Gabriel in the interior.

Mission San Fernando quickly became a well-liked station for those traveling on El Camino. It was right on the route leading to the rapidly expanding city of Los Angeles.

Native Americans in the region were called Tongva. They were known as Fernandinos by the Spanish. Priests used local natives and towns in modern-day Simi Valley, Santa Clarita, and Antelope Valley.

They also picked people from the Angeles National Forest. The Convento sometimes referred to as the long building, served as a lodging for guests. A colonnade with 19 arches runs the entire structure length, and it was finished in 1822 after 12 years of work.

The quadrangle has four sides, with one being the mission church and the other three being residences and various rooms. Early Californians used the term 'mission' to refer to the entire quadrangle and other nearby structures. The huge patio provided security from potential attacks, as did the surrounding walls of the building.

The structure of the building was contemporary. Visitors often mistake it for the actual mission. It has 20 rooms, and 14 rooms are on the first floor of the building.

In 1842, a mission rancher found small quantities of the first reported gold particles in Placerita Canyon. Then, treasure seekers started drilling holes in the mission walls in search of gold. The mid-1800s saw the demise of San Fernando Rey, like many others. In the 1890s, restoration began.

Key People Involved In San Fernando Rey De España Mission

Father Fermín Francisco Lasuén established Mission San Fernando Rey de España. A total of 10 children were baptized on the day as per the Registro de Bautismos. It was the Baptism Register of San Fernando Rey de España's mission. On September 8, 1797, Fermín Lasuén signed these papers.

The missionary in charge found temporary housing in Francisco Reyes' home on Encino Rancho. The devastating earthquake of 1812 caused damage to an adobe chapel. It was constructed in December 1806. However, the restoration started, and a new church was finished in 1818.

Impact Of San Fernando Rey De España Mission

Father Fermín Lasuén and Fray Francisco Dumetz performed ceremonies with the native people and started the mission. This particular mission was far from the other Spanish missions in California. Hence it became self-reliant with farming. The Catholic priests had to perform the conversion duties. The community of Native Americans aided the economic growth of this mission.

The first marriage in San Fernando happened in 1797. Within a few years, 1,000 natives lived there. After some time, other community members started supporting the mission at full length and raising money for its restoration. The mission had four bells, but one is missing.

The mission's goal was to spread the message of Christianity and establish a Spanish colony. Because of this reason, the neophytes were taught and trained in European-style farming. They also learned mechanical arts, animal husbandry, and other domestic crafts.

Even though the mission became secular in 1834 and returned to the authority of the Catholic Church in 1861, the mission now serves as a museum. It traces the history of the California Spanish Mission and the history of the natives in the area.

FAQs

What is San Fernando Rey de España known for?
In the present day, this mission is famous as a museum and for being the Archival Center for the Archdiocese of Los Angeles. The church at the mission is also a chapel of ease and belongs to the Archdiocese of Los Angeles.

Why was San Fernando Rey de España built?
The mission was founded in 1797 and was secularized in 1834. In 1861, the Catholic Church took authority over the mission. Finally, by 1920, this church began functioning regularly.

What was the San Fernando Mission made of?
The San Fernando Rey de España Mission was created as part of the 21 Spanish Missions. The goal was to set up Spanish colonies in California and educate natives.

How many people lived in the San Fernando Mission area?
From 1800-1810, the population of the native inhabitants associated with the mission increased from 310-955. In 1819, 1,080 people were living at the mission.

How did San Fernando Rey de España get its name?The founding father of this mission, Father Fermín Lasuén, named this mission after the King of Spain St. Ferdinand III of Castile. The literal meaning of the mission's name is 'The Mission of Saint Ferdinand, King of Spain'.

It has also been nicknamed 'The Mission of the Valley' and 'The Sun of Spain'.

When was Mission San Fernando Rey de España founded?
The San Fernando Rey de España Mission was founded on September 8, 1797.

When was San Fernando Rey de España fixed?
In 1812, an earthquake hit the mission's area. It led to a lot of damage to the church. By 1818, the new one was restored. Furthermore, the population at the mission increased slightly. By 1819, there were 1,080 people associated with the mission.

What crops were grown at Mission San Fernando Rey de España?
San Fernando Rey de España had to become self-sufficient. Natives also supported this cause. Records also show that vegetables like peas, beans, cabbage, onions, tomatoes, lettuce, and chili peppers were grown. They even grew grapes in a vineyard.