Mission San José is the fourteenth of the Spanish missions founded in Alta California. Founded in the lands of Ohlone-speaking peoples, the mission’s territories eventually expanded to include Miwok- and Yokut-speaking speaking peoples to the north and east.
Location:
43300 Mission Blvd, Fremont, CA 94539
County:
Alameda
Date founded:
June 11, 1797
Patron saint:
St. Joseph.
Founder:
Fr. Fermín Francisco de Lasuén.
Native peoples:
Primarily Ohlone, also Miwok, Patwin and Yokuts.
Goods produced:
Wheat, barley, corn, beans, vegetables, olive oil, fruit and produce.
Features:
Reconstructed mission church with buttresses; surviving convento wing with museum.
Current status:
Mission San José is currently part of an active Roman Catholic parish.
Historical landmark number:
California Historical Landmark no. 334.
Interesting facts about Mission San José:
Mission San José had a 30-piece orchestra of Indian musicians led by Fr. Narciso Durán. It was also the home of Estanislao, a Native American who led a revolt and fought the Mexican army for years.
Important events:
- 1805: Smallpox and measles epidemic hits the mission, killing over 100 Indians.
- April 22, 1809: New church dedicated.
- 1819: Dam and irrigation system built.
- 1824: Fr. José Durán becomes father president of the missions and uses San José as his headquarters.
- 1828: Former alcalde Estanislao leads hundreds of neophytes in a revolt.
- October 21, 1868: Earthquake destroys most of the mission buildings. Only padres’ living quarters remain standing.
Daily life:
Daily life at Mission San José was very similar to life at other missions. You can learn more about daily life at the missions here.