Fig. 1: “Ohlone Families at Work” (Lichtenstein 2004: 10).
The resettlement of the Ohlone and other Native Americans by the Spanish at Mission Santa Clara de Asís forever ruptured local cultural life-ways. In 1770, approximately 10,000 Ohlone lived along California’s central coast (Skowronek 2002: 4). By the end of the Third mission site – only 42 years later – 1,000 Ohlone remained (Cortez 2002: 61). The Third mission site was the epicenter of this demographic and cultural disruption, as it was the place where Christianization and assimilation of the native inhabitants took place.
Fig. 2: “Third Mission Church” (Lichtenstein 2004: 12).
On November 19th, 1781, the cornerstone of the third mission was laid near what is now the northeast corner of SCU’s campus (Skowronek & Wizorek 1997: 57). Over the next 35 years, the third mission would be completed, as well as surrounding structures. However, its position near several small streams undermined the building’s foundations; and in 1812 and 1818, earthquakes damaged the third mission site, and it too was abandoned. This mission site at once represents the disruption of a native group of people and the destructive forces of natural disasters.
Additional Information:
Fig. 3: Table that explains the fates or current status of the Mission Santa Clara locations (Skowronek & Wizorek 1997: 55)
History of the Mission Santa Clara de Asís: this SCU page provides more detailed information on the history of the mission.
For an educational and illustrated book on Ohlone and post-Colonial life on the Guadalupe River, check out:
Allen R., & M. Hylkema. (2002). Life along the Guadalupe River: an archaeological and historical journey. San Jose, CA: Friends of Guadalupe River Park and Gardens.
For more information on Ohlone life at the mission, check out:
Skowronek, R. K. (1998). “Sifting the Evidence: Perceptions of life at the Ohlone (Costanoan) missions of Alta California.” Ethnohistory 45(4):45-78.