1. 1806 Earthquake: A major earthquake struck the San Francisco Bay Area on June 28, 1806, causing significant damage to Mission San Rafael Arcángel. The earthquake caused the collapse of the mission's adobe walls and damaged the stone church, rendering it unusable. The mission's residents had to temporarily relocate until repairs could be made.
2. 1818 Earthquake: Another major earthquake hit the region in 1818, causing further damage to Mission San Rafael Arcángel. The already weakened church structure sustained additional damage, and the walls of the mission continued to deteriorate. The mission was in a state of disrepair for many years after this earthquake.
3. 1824 Flood: In 1824, the San Rafael Creek flooded, inundating the mission grounds and causing extensive damage to the mission buildings. The floodwaters submerged the mission's fields, destroyed crops, and eroded the surrounding landscape. The mission's residents had to work hard to recover from the flood and restore the mission to its former condition.
4. 1849 Fire: In 1849, a fire broke out at Mission San Rafael Arcángel, destroying much of the mission complex. The fire consumed the mission's wooden structures, including the roof and the interior of the church. The mission's valuable archives and religious artifacts were lost in the fire, and the mission was left in ruins.
5. 1906 Earthquake: The infamous 1906 earthquake, also known as the San Francisco Earthquake, caused significant damage to Mission San Rafael Arcángel. The earthquake caused the collapse of the mission's bell tower and damaged the remaining structures. The mission was subsequently restored and rebuilt, but it still bears the scars of this historic earthquake.
These natural disasters have played a role in shaping the history and preservation of Mission San Rafael Arcángel. Despite these challenges, the mission has endured and continues to stand as a testament to the resilience of the people who have called it home over the centuries.
