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California State Historic Landmark. Soledad Mission is the thirteenth
mission, founded October 9, 1791 by Fr. Lasuén. The mission is named for Our Lady of Solitude-one of the many designations for the Virgin Mary. The unique rural setting of this mission lends the visitor a sense of solitude alluded to in its name. Soledad mission is the only mission to have replanted an entire olive grove using mission era techniques of olive reproduction and cultivation.
The original buildings are in complete ruin, though wall fragments and floor tiles are still visible. Replica buildings include the church building and convento, built in 1954-64 through donations from the Native Daughters of the Golden West and other private donors. There is potential to recontstruct the mission quadrangle if extenstve archeological investigation was performed.
Immediate and Long-Term Funding Needs:
- Hire Archaeologists to excavate mission grounds. Excavation of Mission Soledad could yield new information about the experience of Native Americans in the Spanish mission system, as well as identify the ruined mission buildings.
- Clean, and conserve mission artwork and artifacts, including mission era vestments, Native American tools, and an 18th century crucifix.
- Continued improvement of artifact housing and security.
Directions to
the Mission
From US-101:
Exit Arroyo Seco Road and turn right. Turn right again onto
Fort Romie Road. (Monterey County)
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