Spanish and Mexican Heritage

Spanish colonization of the Californias began with establishment of the first mission in Baja California over 300 years ago, in 1697. The Department has begun to reassess its holdings relative to the state's Hispanic heritage, with the objective of enhancing conservation, understanding and interpretation of these important resources.

As part of this effort, we have identified relevant historic sites and buildings and documented their condition and interpretation. We hope eventually to produce reports evaluating these properties' significance, condition, conservation needs, interpretive potential, historic documentation, and the degree to which they reflect the influence of Spanish and Mexican heritage on the modern California landscape. The ultimate objective, of course, is that the inventory will help foster more comprehensive efforts to conserve and stabilize these resources, and make the important stories they have to tell more accessible to all park visitors.

Sonoma State Historic Park