Photo By Capt. Fernando Ochoa | The gardens in the interior courtyard of the mission were restored in 2005 by a team...... read more read more
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FORT HUNTER LIGGETT, Calif. - Hidden in the shadow of the Milpitas Hacienda, surrounded by Fort Hunter Liggett Military Reservation, lays a historical site that dates back more than 240 years. Mission San Antonio de Padua is the pride of the San Antonio Valley and sits high up in the Colima Hills.
Located 40 miles north of Paso Robles, this picturesque mission is nestled in the grasslands and oak trees of the valley. Named for a saint known as the “miracle worker,” it was dedicated in 1771 by Father Serra; a Franciscan missionary. This landmark was the third mission founded in Alta California. Today the mission is a parish church of the Diocese of Monterey.
Master Sgt. Rick Sorci, 91st Training Division Chaplain’s assistant, has visited the mission many times and finds it very interesting. He appreciates it, saying, “I enjoy historical sites.”
If one goes there now, they will find well maintained buildings. The first attempt at rebuilding the Mission came in 1903 when the California Historical Landmarks League began holding outings at San Antonio. Tons of debris was removed from the interior of the chapel and breaches in the side wall were filled in. The church is known for its campanario and archway bells, and is today largely restored to its original condition. “I believe the mission has been restored over a long period of time,” said Sorci.
In fact, it took nearly 50 years to completely restore the mission. A recent restoration began in 2005 as a team of volunteers began restoring the gardens in the interior courtyard of the mission. When one walks through the grounds, a quiet, cool and calm piece of heaven gives the visitor a peaceful feeling.
The U.S. Army acquired the land around the mission from the Hearst family during World War II to train troops. To increase the acreage for the mission additional land was acquired from the Army in 1950 to increase the mission area to over 85 acres. This fort is still actively training troops today.
The mission is open to the public. The lush gardens, a full service chapel, a gift shop and cats are ready to welcome you. The local communities regularly hold picnics and benefits, and in the summer the mission is a favorite for passing by tourist. Historians consider the mission's pastoral location in the valley of the San Antonio River, along the mountain range, as an outstanding example of early mission life.
Mission San Antonio de Padua is a fine example of early California history. From its humble, thatch-roofed beginnings to the stately adobes we see today, the mission represent a dynamic chapter of California's past. By the time the last mission was built in 1823, the Golden State had grown from an untamed wilderness to a thriving agricultural frontier on the verge of American statehood.
Remember, the mission is open to the public, so if you have time and the interest to visit the pride of the valley, stop on by. The cats love the attention.
| Date Taken: | 06.15.2012 |
| Date Posted: | 06.24.2012 14:20 |
| Story ID: | 90514 |
| Location: | JOLON, CALIFORNIA, US |
| Web Views: | 296 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, Fort Hunter Liggett’s piece of history, by CPT Fernando Ochoa, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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