La Purisima Concepcion Mission La Purisima Concepcion is the 11th mission and was founded by Father Fermin Lasuen on December 8, 1787. Established as a stopover between other missions, it enjoyed early prosperity but fell into ruin after secularization. Now, a State Historical Park, located near the present town of Lompoc, it fascinates all who visit. The mission has been painstakenly restored and sponsors costumed docents, who help visitors relive life on the mission.

Santa Cruz Mission Santa Cruz was the 12th mission. It was established on August 28, 1791, by Father Lasuen. Though its beginnings were good, it's prosperity was stymied by the development of the community of Branciforte, the first real estate development. Unsavory citizens lured Indians to drinking and gambling so that the mission never had more than 523 neophytes.

Nuestra Senora de la Soledad Mission Nuestra Senora de la Soledad was founded on October 9, 1791, by Father Fermin Lasuen. It is the 13th mission and was named for both its location and the Virgin Mary. A desolate location beset by a series of misfortunes, numerous padres rotated through this undesired post until the last padre died at the altar of starvation.

San Jose de Guadalupe Mission San Jose de Guadalupe was the 14th mission, founded on July 11, 1797 by Father Lasuen, in an attempt to secure the section of the Camino Real where hostile Indian attacks made travel dangerous. Eventually becoming the most successful of the northern missions. It featured an accomplished Indian Orchestra, one of many achievements by Father Duran, the serving padre.

San Juan Bautista Mission San Juan Bautista was the 15th mission, founded on June 24, 1797 by Father Lasuen, as part of the Spanish effort to settle the eastern part of California. Built atop of the San Andreas Fault, it has remained remarkably intact and is still an active church. Its original plaza is part of a state historic park.

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