How is mission san jose used today

An inventory, of the time lists a church, monastery, guardhouse, guest house, and women's dormitory, in addition to the thousands of acres of crop and grazing land. A decree of secularization by the Mexican government in , took the missions out of the administration of the padres and brought the mission system to an end.

Jose de Jesus Vallejo was appointed civil administrator and the mission lands were divided into ranchos. The native people fled the mission, many of them died of disease and starvation, unable to readjust to their former way of life. The mission buildings, granaries, orchards, and gardens were allowed to decay.

During the ensuing Gold Rush, H. Smith converted the mission to a place of lodging and added a general store to the south end of the mission wing. In , the United States government returned a small percentage of the mission lands to the Catholic Church.

Ten years later, a giant earthquake centered on the Hayward fault shattered the walls of the mission church and broke open the roof. Restoration efforts by the Native Sons and Daughters of the Golden West in and , saved the surviving portion of the mission wing and converted it into a museum.

Due to Covid restrictions, it is best to check for current information. Weddings and Other Special Services. Special Events. Concerts primarily Chamber music are held five or six times a year. Unique Attractions. Its truncated tower holds four bells. The church is a popular location for Weddings and Baptisms.

The restored Padre. Other Historic Attractions. Tips for Visitors. This mission was extensively researched before its very authentic restoration. Photograph it from across the street and on the side, where the giant buttresses that support the church walls are prominently visible.

Hannon Foundation. Year Secularized. Year Returned to Catholic Church. Patron Saint Named For. Saint Joseph, husband of Mary, the mother of Jesus. Prominent Missionary Leaders. Founding Father President - Fr. Isidro Barcenilla and Fr. Buenaventura and Fr.

These talented energetic missionaries worked together with the Indians for 27 years to build one of the most prosperous missions in California. Indians Joining Mission. Ohlone Ceremonial Dance Mission Site. Mission Layout. Water Source. Alameda Creek was the mission's main source of water. The granary and the convento were still standing, but required stabilization, and some reconstruction work.

The large convento housed at least two missionaries, and any travelers or guests. Living space was on the second floor, while the first was made up of storeroom, and a kitchen and refectory.

The granary was one of the first structures to be restored. The San Antonio Conservation Society purchased, first, the doors and then the building when it was on the verge of collapse. With few exceptions, the protective walls with the Indian Quarters built into them were reconstructed in the s above the original foundations.

The stone used was not limestone like the originals would have been. The Grape Arbor trellis was meant to enhance the Spanish Quarters located next to it. Explore This Park. Info Alerts Maps Calendar Reserve. Alerts In Effect Dismiss.