Mission Santa Inés
Mission Santa Inés (or Ynez) was founded on September 17, 1804, by Father Estévan Tapís. The mission site, now part of the city of Solvang, was chosen as a midway point between Mission Santa Barbara and Mission La Purísima Concepción. Most of the original church was destroyed on December 21, 1812, in an earthquake centered near Santa Barbara. The complex was not abandoned and a new church was dedicated on July 4, 1817. The first Seminary in California (Our Lady of Refuge) was built at the mission in 1844. Renovation efforts in the first half of the 20th century restored buildings, rebuilt the bell tower and created the museum that now houses a collection of vestments, artwork, documents and manuscripts, and artifacts and bells that were used in and around the Mission throughout its history. The mission is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Solvang, Santa Barbara County
Photographer: Andrew Schmidt