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Mission Sonoma (San Francisco Solano)
Mission Sonoma - San Francisco Solano Was California's Last

By , About.com Guide

Mission Sonoma

Mission Sonoma

(c) Betsy Malloy 2002
Mission Sonoma (San Francisco Solano)
Town Square
Sonoma, CA

Founded July 4, 1823
by Father Jose Altimira
Named Mission San Francisco Solano for St. Francis of Solano, a 17th century missionary to the Peruvian Indians, but more commonly called Mission Sonoma

Interesting Facts about Mission Sonoma

  • Mission Sonoma was the last and northernmost California mission
  • Mission Sonoma was the only one founded after Mexico gained independence from Spain
  • Mission Sonoma was the only one founded without the Catholic church's prior approval

Mission Sonoma Chronology

    1823 - Father Altimira founds Mission Sonoma
    1827 - Indian uprising
    1832 - Most successful year
    1834 - Mission Sonoma secularized
    1903 - Restoration begins

Getting to Mission Sonoma

Mission Sonoma is located facing the historic plaza in the town of Sonoma. To get there from San Francisco, take US 101 north and exit onto California highway 37 east toward Vallejo. Turn north on California Highway 121, continue following Highway 121 (which is also called Carneros Highway or Arnold Drive). Turn right onto W. Watmaugh Rd., turn right again onto Broadway (CA 12) and right onto 3rd Street.
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