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Mission Santa Clara de Asís

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The Mission of Saint Clare of Assisi

The first sight that greets visitors to Santa Clara University is the façade of the restored church of Mission Santa Clara de Asís. Santa Clara University, the oldest college in California, is also the only college in the state to be the successor of a Spanish mission. The history of both institutions is intimately bound up with the history of the state. The University, founded in 1851, was born amid the tumultuous growth of the Gold Rush era. The mission, dating back to 1777, was the first outpost of Spanish civilization in the Santa Clara Valley. (Text and image from mission's official site.)

Mission Santa Clara de Asís

History of Mission Santa Clara de Asís

The first mission to be built to honor a woman, the outpost was originally established as La Misión Santa Clara de Thamien (or Mission Santa Clara de Thamien) at the Indian village of So-co-is-u-ka (meaning "Laurelwood," located on the Guadalupe River) January 12, 1777. There they erected a cross and shelter for worship to bring Christianity to the Ohlone and Costanoan peoples. Floods and earthquakes damaged many of the early structures and forced relocation to higher ground. The second site is known as Mission Santa Clara de Asís. A subsequent site of the Mission dating from 1784 to 1819 is located several hundred yards west of the De La Cruz overpass of the CALTRAIN track; moreover, several Native American burial sites have been discovered near this subsequent site. The current site, home to the first college in Alta California, dates back to 1828.

Read the rest of the article on Wikipedia.

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Official Homepage of Mission Santa Clara de Asís
Includes a substantial history page of Mission Santa Clara de Asis with references for further reading and a video virtual tour.
California Missions: Mission Santa Clara de Asis
Very brief one page history of Mission Santa Clara de Asis.
The California Missions Site: Mission Santa Clara de Asis
More in-depth history of Mission Santa Clara de Asis. Includes a few photographs and information on how to cite the page for reports.
California Missions On-Line Project: Mission Santa Clara de Asis
Has a brief paragraph on a variety of subjects related to Mission Santa Clara de Asis. Also has a short understanding assessment quiz.
Virtual Tour of Mission Santa Clara de Asis
Mr. Missions' photographs of Mission Santa Clara de Asis from nearly all angles.
Mission Santa Clara de Asis Visual Journey
Stunning photographs of Mission Santa Clara de Asis presented in a beautiful slideshow by the California Missions Resource Center.
California Travel: Mission Santa Clara de Asis
Starting from the Mission Santa Clara de Asis facts page, you will find links to a professionally written mission history and description of the grounds.
Mission Santa Clara de Asis eBook
A downloadable ebook specifically about Mission Santa Clara de Asis hosted by the Peninsula Library System. Requires Adobe Reader.

Videos of Mission Santa Clara de Asís

Take a tour of Mission Santa Clara de Asís

If you've posted your fourth grade Mission Santa Clara de Asis project on YouTube, send me the link, and I will link to your video!
Mission Santa Clara de Asis
by SterlingH2 | video info

10 ratings | 8,547 views
curated content from YouTube

Photos of Santa Clara de Asis

Take a look at the Santa Clara mission

Robert English has graciously allowed his photos of Mission Santa Clara to be posted below. Click over to see his complete photo set. It includes shots of the exterior facade as well as the amazing interior decorations.

front of mission Santa Clara de Asis


statue at the mission Santa Clara de Asis

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Any feedback on this page is greatly appreciated. Especially let me know if there's anything I should add to this page since I am dedicated to keeping this page on Mission Santa Clara de Asis up to date. Thank you!

  • kiki Apr 4, 2012 @ 6:21 pm | delete
    No floor plan
  • SayGuddaycom Jan 19, 2012 @ 2:22 pm | delete
    Fantastic. Please join our community. Read about it at Squidoo.com/about-say-gudday
  • Evangelina Dec 6, 2011 @ 11:34 pm | delete
    My son is making a proyect of Mission Santa Clara de Asis,he needs the plans for the Mission !! Help me Please !! :)
  • Steve Feb 15, 2011 @ 8:59 pm | delete
    My son is doing a report on the California missions. His assignment is the Mission Santa Clara de Asis. We are seeking a legible floor plan layout of the mission. If you could assist us we would be indebted to you.
  • john c May 15, 2011 @ 5:44 pm | delete
    I'm helping my son as well, did you happen to find it?
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mosaic

As a Californian, I have been through the missions project several times with my siblings. I know that it's an exciting part of the 4th grade curricul... more »

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