Mission San Buenaventura, founded in Ventura on March 31, 1782, was the ninth Alta California mission and the last established during Junípero Serra’s lifetime. After an early church burned, the present church was completed in 1812. The mission became especially notable for a Chumash-built water system that, from 1805 to 1815, carried water from the Ventura River to support orchards and gardens. Despite earthquakes, raiding threats, secularization, and the loss of much of the original quadrangle, the church and garden survived. Restored in the 20th century, it remains an active parish, museum, and one of Ventura’s central historic landmarks.

Photo: Wikipedia · Public domain

Photo: Wikipedia · Public domain