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vation. In 1772, when residents of the missions of Carmel and San Antonio were starving, hunters were sent to the valley for three months and made a record bear hunt, sending 9000 pounds of salted and jerked bear meat to the missions. The Indians were impressed with the ease that the hunters could bring down their traditional enemy. Because of the abundant food supply and the friendly Indians, this site was chosen for a mission. It would also be a midway point between the existing missions.
Father Cavaller served tenure there until his death in 1789 and was buried at the mission. He learned 15 different dialects of the Chumash tribes. Father Luis Martinez replaced him and would serve for 34 years. In 1790, craftsman from Mexico arrived and trained the Indians in different crafts including construction, blacksmith, pottery, leather works, weaving and tailoring. Under Father Martinez, the mission flourished and became famous for its olive trees, orchards and vineyards. After three fires burned the mission, the thatched roofs were replaced by clay tiles. Such tiles would become the standard for all missions after 1784. By 1805, at its peak of success, 931 Indians lived at the mission or on two huge ranchos. But the Spanish-Mexican War in 1810 would erode the progress. Spain stopped trading and sending supplies and even worse, stopped paying the soldiers. This created stress on the missions and the Indians who had to support themselves and the soldiers. Because Father Martinez was vocally critical of the Mexican government, he was arrested in 1830 and sent back to Spain. Five years later secularization occurred and in 1845, Governor Pio Pico sold everything but the church for $510.00.
In 1859, what remained of the missions was returned to the Church by the United States government. In 1868, the buildings were remodeled to resemble a parish church, including a New England-style steeple, until 1934, when a fire burned most of the false additions. Restoration by Father John Harnett and Sir Harry Downie has brought back the original appearance. Now a parish church, it is still in use today.
Present day location:
In Downtown San Luis Obispo. Mission San Luis Obispo, 51 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401, (805) 781-8220.
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