History

Looking to establish a port on the Pacific coast to facilitate their world trading route, Spain began colonization efforts in the territory in 1769 with the expedition of Gaspar de Portola. The Carmel Mission was subsequently founded at its present location in 1771 by Father Junipero Serra. It was the second mission established in the territory called Alta California and was Serra’s headquarters for the California Mission System. From here personnel and supplies would be sent throughout Alta California to establish a chain of 21 missions to begin colonization of the territory.

In 1821, Mexico (New Spain), also a colony of Spain, ceded from Spain and Alta California became a part of Mexico. In 1834 Mexico closed the Missions and distributed the land to persons of importance or favor within the new government. The pueblo system then became the means of continuing colonial development. In 1846 the U.S. government defeated Mexico at Monterey and laid claim to Alta California. The Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo (1848) officially gave the territory to the U.S. In 1849 a Constitutional Convention was held in Monterey and the boundaries of California were established. The state of California entered the union as a free state in 1850. By 1859, the mission lands were returned to the Catholic Church by the U.S. government.

However, by 1850, the Carmel Mission was facing physical ruin. The stone church was deteriorating and most of the adobe buildings were disappearing. In 1884 private funds put a roof back on the church structure preserving it until the 1930s when church and private funds became available to mount a full scale renovation. This effort continued for over 50 years under the leadership of Harry Downie. In 1961 The Carmel Mission was designated a Basilica.

The Carmel Mission Foundation continues the legacy of over 125 years of individual and community commitment to the historical restoration and preservation of the Carmel Mission.

DID YOU KNOW . . .

Ronald Reagan was sworn in as Governor of California in January of 1967, using Junipero Serra’s 400 year-old Bible brought with him from Spain. This Bible resides in the Carmel Mission Library, the oldest in California.

The Carmel Mission Seal came from its livestock brand. The initials M and R stand for the Monterey. In December 1832 the padres reported the Mission had 2,100 cattle, 3,300 sheep, 410 horses and 8 mules!