Founded in 1776 by Padre Junípero Serra, this is the seventh in the chain of 21 missions established in Alta California to Christianize and civilize the Indians. The stone church was destroyed in 1812 earthquake. Expropriated during Mexican rule, the mission was returned to the Catholic church in 1865 by proclamation of President Abraham Lincoln. - CA State Parks

The mission is also notable for flocks of swallows that sometimes return to the Great Stone Church ruins to build nest on March 19th, St Joesph's day. - AsNotedIn