California Missions
Mission San Miguel Restoration
Mission San Miguel
775 Mission St.
San Miguel, CA
missionsanmiguel.org
When the magnitude 6.5 San Simeon earthquake of December 22, 2003 shook the Central Coast killing two women in the Acorn building in downtown Paso Robles, over 40 structures in the region collapsed. Those with earthquake retrofitting held their ground much better. Mission San Miguel, approx. 10 miles from downtown Paso Robles, suffered much damage in the quake and was deemed unsafe.
Nearby Paso Robles damage from San Simeon earthquake.
Reports estimated the earthquake damaged to Mission San Miguel Arcángel at $15 million. Millions of dollars later, the jewel of the California missions has undergone a retrofit. It took about six years to get the primary portions of the mission fitted and safe for the public to enter once again. Phases of construction have been completed and some remain.
Founded more than 200 years ago in 1797, this historic mission is the only mission in the U.S. to retain its original fresco paintings. Its preservation is considered significant in showcasing and representing the true history of California mission era.
Father Fermin Lasuen was in charge of the construction of the 16th mission on El Camino Real, named for Saint Michael the Archangel. Constructed of adobe bricks, it took about two years to build.
Directions: Mission San Miguel is located just off US Highway 101 about 215 miles north of Los Angeles. Exit I-101 Freeway at 10th Street, turn right and then left onto Mission Street. Mission San Miguel is on the left.