Mission La Purísima Concepción, located in Lompoc, was founded on December 8, 1787, by Padre Lasuén and named the Immaculate Conception of Mary the Most Pure. Eleventh in the California chain of missions, the mission was situated in a rich and fertile valley.
In 1788, the first mission buildings were begun and the mission was completed in 1791 after only three years. Local Indians were cooperative and proved of fundamental importance for the quick growth and prosperity of the mission. After celebrating its 25th anniversary, the mission suffered a terrible earthquake in 1812, followed by torrential rainstorms and a flood that destroyed all the early buildings.
In 1815, the mission was moved to another site, four miles away, where the construction of a new and bigger mission began. The successive mission knew a period of prosperity that lasted for ten years. Then, misfortune came again: drought, fire, starving sheep, and finally a revolt of the Indians.
The mission was secularized in 1834 and sold in 1845. It was returned to the church in 1874 but sold because of the dilapidated condition. The mission lapsed into ruin until 1935 when the State of California acquired and restored the mission. Restoration works were completed in 1937.
Today, La Purísima Mission belongs to the California State Parks. It has been restored more than any other mission. If an interested traveler wishes to understand what mission life was like during the mission era, La Purísima is the mission to visit. Tours and information are readily available.
Location of Mission La Purísima Concepción
2295 Purisima Road, Lompoc, CA 93436, United States