Where is the mission located?
The mission is located halfway between the north and south ends of the mission chain, in an inland valley surrounded by mountains.
What group of Indians was living in the area?
The Chumash tribe were living in the area of the San Luis Obispo Mission.
When was the mission established? What order in the mission chain is it?
This mission was established on September 1,1772. The San Luis Obispo Mission is fifth out of the 21 missions.
Who was responsible for starting this mission?
Father Junipero Serra is responsible for starting the mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa.
Has the mission moved from its original location?
No, the mission has not moved from its original location even though it has experienced fires and an earthquake. This mission was founded in 1772 with an addition completed in 1948.
What does the mission look like? Use descriptive words. Address each of the
following:
- Chapel~Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa is the mission that has a "L" shaped chapel
- Bell wall or bell tower~2 bells were delivered from Lima, Peru in 1820
- Quadrangle~A quad is a four sided figure. Inside of the quad protection was offered and daily living happened.
- Priests’ quarters~They originally had square columns, but later got switched to round shape
- Indians’ quarters~Very rustic-the native american men were separated from the native american women
- Archways~Chocolate brown colored trim, gray archways and windows. Everything made out of textured adobe
- Fields, grounds, gardens~In a valley with mild tempatures, food was grown to feed everyone living at the mission
- Outbuildings~Storerooms, residences for single women, soldiers barracks, mills, Native cabins, and a granary
What materials were used to construct the mission?
Tule roofs(later replaced with tile to protect it from the many fires), adobe walls, wood sliding was added in late 1870 and removed between 1920 to 1934.
What was the main industry of the mission during the Spanish occupation?
Farming, raising livestock(cattle and sheep), the natives, soldiers, and missionaries needed to produce goods for their own livlihood(wheat, barley, and corn).
What, if any, is the main industry of the mission today?
Cal Poly, SLO, farming, wineries, shops, and boutigues are some of the missions industries.
What was the relationship between the Priests and the Indians?
Good at the begining as Governor Portola shared 9,000 pounds of bear meat with the hungry Indians. Later it suffered 3 Native American attacks in its first 2 years. Much later, under Father Martinez the padre earned the love of the Indians in charge.
Is it possible to visit the mission today?
Yes, it is possible to visit the mission today!
Find an image of the floor plan of your mission and include it here:
This is Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa's floor plan.
