Mission La Purisima Concepcion

Mission La Purisima Concepcion is the 11th mission and was founded on December 8, 1787, by Father Fermin Lasuen. Named "The Immaculate Conception of Mary the Most Pure", it was named to honor the Virgin Mary. It was established on December 8, the day of the Feast of the Immaculate Conception. Situated equal distance between San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara, it was important as a resting place between the two missions.

The mission enjoyed great prosperity under Father Mariano Payeros and the friendly Indian population. Unfortunately, the 1812 earthquake destroyed the original church, which was located near a fault line. Unlike the other missions, the layout was linear versus quadrangle. The new mission was built in the little Valley of Los Berros, but after Father Payeros' death in 1823, problems arose. In 1824, the neophytes revolted in sympathy to an on going revolt by the neophytes at Mission Santa Ines, where an Indian had been flogged. Tensions between the soldiers and the Indians had always existed, and after Father Payeros' death, the cruel treatment by the soldiers led to a crisis. The La Purisima Indians utilized their construction by fortifying the mission and holding the soldiers at bay for more than a month. However, once reinforcement of troops arrived, the mission was retaken and the Indians involved were either executed or imprisoned. Shortly after, secularization led to the decline and eventual ruin of the mission. At its peak, the mission had 1,522 Indians, by 1844, only 200 remained. The mission was finally sold to Don Juan Temple of Los Angeles for $1,100.
In 1934, the National Park Service acquired 500 acres of the former mission property and began restoration with the Civilian Conservation Corp. After much research, the Mission was restored as close to the original design as possible, incorporating the original structures where possible. The gardens were also restored as close to historic accuracy according to Mr. E.D. Rowe, a horticulturist. The Civilian Conservation Corp even rebuilt the intricate water system which collects water from springs a mile away and redirects it to the gardens and fields. La Purisima is now a State Historic Park under the Division of Beaches and Parks. On 967 acres, visitors are treated to an elaborate docent program where volunteers dress up as historical figures representing Indians, padres, and soldiers. Livestock that were used by the mission are also represented on the grounds.
Present day location: Northeast of Lompac, west of Buelton via State Highway 246.
Mission La Purisima Concepcion, 2295 Purisima Rd., Lompoc, CA 93436, (805) 733-3713