They killed several bears for food, and shared the meat with the native people. Their generosity paid off, and the natives were so friendly that Father Serra decided to establish a missionary outpost in the valley, half way between San Diego and Carmel. On September 1, 1772, he stopped there, picked a level spot and placed a large wooden cross.
Early Years of San Luis Obispo Mission
Father Serra left one priest, Father Jose Cavalier, to begin the building at San Luis Obispo Mission, with two Mexican soldiers. The soldiers killed many of the bears in the area and the natives were grateful, giving the Spaniards some food to help keep them from starving. In 1773, Father Palou arrived with food and live animals and the San Luis Obispo Mission began to grow.Not all the natives were friendly, and three different times during the first two years, the thatched roofs of San Luis Obispo Mission were set on fire by flaming arrows.
By 1783, the population had grown 600 Indians. They had 700 cattle, 900 sheep, 60 pigs, 110 horses and 25 mules. They raised wheat, corn and beans. In 1789, Father Cavalier died and was buried in the church.
Father Luis Martinez arrived in 1796, and he was in charge of San Luis Obispo Mission for the next 34 years.
San Luis Obispo Mission 1800-1820
The San Luis Obispo Mission was at its peak in 1805 with 961 Indians. A new hospital was built that year and a second grist mill.In 1810, Mexico was starting to break away from Spain, and they stopped sending materials. They also stopped sending money for the priests and soldiers, and the soldiers were forced to turn to the priests for their food and clothing. Father Martinez was very outspoken about how they were being treated, and he was often in trouble with the Mexican officials.
In 1816, Father Martinez led a group of Indians from San Luis Obispo Mission to Santa Barbara and San Juan Capistrano to help defend against pirates. His actions did much to repair his relationship with the Mexican Army.
