1. Mission San Francisco de Solano Ms. Mason April 2009

2. Mission Facts • 21st Mission built • Founded by Father José Altimira • Made from wood and covered with mud, then whitewashed • Dedicated in 1824; used for only 3 years • Single bell hung from wood frame • Built two more times, the latest in 1840 after the Franciscans left

3. Geography • Most northern mission • Located in Sonoma Valley • 11 miles from the bay • Current church is replica of the 1840’s mission • Not as many earthquakes as other mission areas Petaluma

4. Mission Life • Not as properous as other missions • 10,000 acres to grow grapes, fruit, grain and raise livestock • Native Americans abused

5. Mission Today • Suffered during Mexican-American War and when California became a state • Mission buildings sold in 1881 • Sonoma State History Park

6. If I Were In Charge • Probably built one in Petaluma which had more water access