Mission San Francisco Solano: Not Your Average Mission (Probably Because It Was Built After the Party Ended)
California Missions: We all know the drill. Spanish guys show up, build a church, convert the locals, and bam! Instant California. But Mission San Francisco Solano? That one's a bit of a wild card. Founded in 1823, it was the last mission built in Alta California, and let's just say it didn't exactly follow the mission system rulebook.
Built on a Whim (and a Political Power Struggle)
Imagine this: You're Father Altimira, a friar at Mission San Francisco de Asís. You're not a huge fan of your digs, so you decide to build your own mission. Not the most Franciscan move, but hey, gotta do what you gotta do, right? Well, almost. Turns out Father Altimira also had his eye on establishing a Mexican presence further north to keep those pesky Russians at bay. Cold War? More like Cold California Mission War.
Fun Fact: This whole "build-your-own-mission" thing caused a bit of a stir. Mexico had just gained independence from Spain, and everyone was still figuring things out. Mission San Francisco Solano ended up being the only mission founded without official church approval. Oops.
Short and Sweet (Because of History, Not the Pastries)
Sadly, Mission San Francisco Solano only had about eleven years in the spotlight. The Mexican government decided the mission system wasn't their thing and shut it down in 1834. So, while its fellow missions boast grand architecture and sprawling grounds, San Francisco Solano is a bit more quaint. Still charming though!
But wait, there's more! The mission church you see today isn't even the original one. The first one kind of went "poof" in a dramatic collapse. But hey, they rebuilt it in 1841, so resilience points for Mission San Francisco Solano!
Witness to History (Including a Bear Flag Party)
While San Francisco Solano might not have the most dramatic mission story, it has some pretty cool historical cred. Across the street from the mission sits the Sonoma Plaza, the very spot where the Bear Flag Revolt kicked off in 1846. Basically, a bunch of guys raised a flag (with a bear on it, no less) and declared California an independent republic. Talk about a lively neighborhood!
So, Mission San Francisco Solano might not be the most famous mission, but it's definitely one of the most interesting. It's a reminder that even history has its fair share of rebels and rule-breakers.
FAQs: Your Mission San Francisco Solano Survival Guide
How to get to Mission San Francisco Solano? Located in the heart of Sonoma, California. Just follow the signs for the Sonoma Plaza and you can't miss it!
How much does it cost to visit? Adults: $10, Children (6-17): $5 (But hey, check their website for discounts and special events!)
How long does it take to tour the mission? Allow 30 minutes to an hour to explore the grounds and exhibits.
What's there to see? The mission church, gardens, a reconstructed tannery, and some pretty cool mission artifacts.
Is it haunted? We can't say for sure, but hey, it is a historical site. Maybe you'll encounter the ghost of a rebellious friar?
