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1. The Founding: In 1791, the Spanish Franciscan explorer and missionary, Father Fermín Lasuén, founded Mission Santa Cruz. It was the twelfth of the 21 Spanish missions established in what is now California. The original mission was located near the mouth of the San Lorenzo River, but later moved to its current site in 1797.
2. Native American Resistance: The mission's early years were marked by tensions and conflicts with the indigenous Ohlone people. The Ohlone resisted the mission system and its attempts to convert them to Catholicism and assimilate them into Spanish culture. There were several instances of resistance and uprisings, including a significant revolt in 1824.
3. Secularization: In the 1830s, the Mexican government began to secularize the missions in California, which resulted in the loss of their lands and properties. Mission Santa Cruz was affected by this process, and it was eventually abandoned by the Franciscan friars in 1841.
4. Native American Return: After the secularization, the mission grounds were used for various purposes, including a school and a military post. In the early 20th century, the remaining structures were restored, and the mission was returned to the Catholic Church in 1931. The Santa Cruz Mission State Historic Park was established in 1934, and it is currently managed by the California Department of Parks and Recreation.
5. Earthquake of 1989: The mission experienced significant damage during the Loma Prieta earthquake in 1989. The earthquake caused the collapse of the mission's historic bell tower and damaged other structures. Extensive restoration work was carried out in the following years to repair and stabilize the mission complex.
Today, Mission Santa Cruz continues to operate as a parish and a popular historical attraction. It offers visitors the opportunity to learn about the history of the mission, explore its beautiful architecture, and appreciate its ongoing role as a center of faith and community in the Santa Cruz area.