* 1790: Construction of the current church begins.
* 1806: The Chumash revolt against Spanish rule breaks out. The mission is attacked and damaged, but the friars are able to defend it.
* 1818: California declares independence from Spain. The mission becomes part of Mexico.
* 1846: The United States declares war on Mexico. The mission is captured by American forces and becomes part of the United States.
* 1859: The mission is sold to private owners.
* 1920: The mission is purchased by the State of California and becomes a State Historic Park.
Today, Mission Santa Barbara is a popular tourist destination and an important symbol of California's history.