Presidio of Santa Barbara

The Presidio of Santa Barbara was a military installation in Santa Barbara, California, built by Spain in 1782, with the mission of defending the Second Military District in California. In addition to being a significant tourist attraction, it is an active archaeological site. It is the second oldest surviving building in California; only the Mission San Juan Capistrano is older. In addition, it was the last military outpost to be built by Spain in the New World.

Related Topics:
Santa Barbara, California - Spain - 1782 - Second Military District - Mission San Juan Capistrano

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A small portion of the original Presidio survives to the present day, and has been restored. While most of the original structure is gone, because the original layout was twisted several degrees from the street grid upon which the town was later built, some traces of it can be seen in aerial photography (for instance in walls, fences, and some buildings which follow property lines in conformance with the Presidio's geometry). The only parts of the large quadrangle to be restored are some of the guard quarters, as well as the Cañedo Adobe, which became the property of a former Presidio soldier after the facility was decommissioned.

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The chapel in the Presidio, one of the restored buildings, was the primary place of worship for the residents of early Santa Barbara, since the Mission, a mile and a half away, was mainly intended for use by the native Chumash Indians after their conversion to Christianity.

Related Topics:
Mission - Chumash - Christianity

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