Native American Daily Life at Mission San Miguel: No Current Activity

Mission San Miguel: Historical Context Only

No Native Americans currently live at or perform daily activities at Mission San Miguel Arcángel. The mission's active Native American community ceased over a century ago.

Historical Background

• Founded 1797: 16th of 21 California missions by Franciscans.
• Primary residents: Salinan people (also Yokuts, Chumash).
• Daily life (historical): Agriculture (wheat, corn, grapes), livestock, weaving, carpentry, religious instruction, construction.
• Secularization (1834): Mexican government redistributed lands; mission declined.
• 1846–1870s: Period of private ownership, decay, then return to Church.

Today

The mission is a museum and active parish. The Salinan Tribe (state-recognized) collaborates on cultural preservation but does not reside there. Visitors see restored buildings, artifacts, and interpretive exhibits.