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Mission
San Francisco Solano de Sonoma – The Sonoma Mission is 21st
and last California mission. Mission San
Francisco Solano was founded on July 4, 1823, and functioned as a working
mission until 1834. Originally, around the mission quadrangle – church, living quarters and workshops – were orchards, vineyards,
pastures for livestock. |
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Entrance to mission is through the padre's quarters,
with diorama of the mission quadrangle. |
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The
interior of the chapel (made with adobe bricks) is painted with Stations of the Cross on the walls, and life-size figures of Mary and Jesus around the altar, typical of an early 19th century California
church. |
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Wander out into the outdoor courtyard, complete with beehive-shaped
bake ovens, a fountain and shady spot to rest under the olive trees, and
huge clumps of prickly pear cactus. |
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Events - Children's Day at the Mission – Kids can step into 19th century activities: make candles, rope, corn husk dolls, shell and bead necklaces, learn how to weave baskets, cattle roping, branding, watch Native American dancing, listen to storytelling, pet farm animals, taste cornbread made in the wood burning bake oven. Highly recommended. |
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Sonoma
Barracks – In 1836, General Vallejo, the commander of the presidio
in San Francisco, sent in a contingent of Mexican soldiers to keep an eye
on the Russian colony at Fort Ross. The soldiers wore blue uniforms with
red trim and dashing wide black hats, carried pistols, swords, muskets,
and rode horses with vaquero style saddles. One room in the barracks is
a re-creation of the soldiers' living quarters and lifestyle. |
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Don't miss a copy
of the California Bear Flag, a hand sewn flag raised in 1846 as a declaration
of the "California Republic." |
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Vallejo Home – General Vallejo, a Mexican commander, created a lovely family home with his wife and daughters here in Sonoma, preserved amidst acres of open land today. The house has a spiffy parlor, dining room (note the baby's high chair), and study on the first floor. Upstairs are bedrooms, and a nursery with porcelain dolls and doll houses. |
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Outside the house is lovely shaded picnic area – bike to the house and bring your lunch. |
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Tip: Admission to the Mission also includes the Barracks and Vallejo Home. |
