Descriptive Summary
Access
Publication Rights
Preferred Citation
Acquisition Information
Biography/Administrative History
Scope and Content of Collection
Indexing Terms
Descriptive Summary
Title: California Mission Documents
Dates: 1640 to 1853
Collection Number: CMD
Creator/Collector:
Extent: (11 vertical file drawers, 2 oversize boxes)
Repository:
Santa Bárbara Mission Archive-Library
Santa Barbara, California 93105
Abstract: Originals and photocopies of letters, reports, and other related documents.
Language of Material: Spanish; Castilian
Access
The collection is open for research use by appointment. To make an appointment call (805) 682-4713 ext. 131 or email research@sbmal.org
Preferred Citation
[Identification of item]. California Mission Documents. Collection Number: CMD. Santa Bárbara Mission Archive-Library
Biography/Administrative History
This archive had its inception during the months when Joseph de Gálvez and Fray Junípero Serra planned the exploration of
Alta California in 1768. The original archive remained in Serra's hands until his death in 1784. It was passed on to succeeding
Presidentes of the mission system. As friars elsewhere confronted mission secularization and confiscation in the 19th century,
they sent their missions' historical documents and materials to Mission Santa Bárbara, which has remained in the hands of
the Franciscans from its founding in 1786 until the present day.
The materials should be considered original manuscripts in Spanish, unless noted otherwise. These finding guides are the lifelong
work and creation of historian and archivist, Fr. Maynard Geiger, O.F.M., Ph.D.
Scope and Content of Collection
Finding aid: https://www.sbmal.org/_files/ugd/224541_4ec3469e160c4fec8a12e4a700777102.pdf
Indexing Terms
Franciscans--California--History
Catholic Church--California--History
García Diego y Moreno, Francisco, 1785-1846
González Rubio, José, 1804-1875
Lasuén, Fermín Francisco de, 1736-1803
Arrillaga, José Joaquín, 1750-1814
Borica y Retegui, Diego de, 1742-1800
Solá, Pablo Vicente de, 1761-1824
Sarria, Vicente Francisco, 1767-1835
California--Church history--19th century