Mission San Antonio de Padua is a Christian religious center that was established by Spanish Roman Catholic priests in California. The Franciscan missionary Saint Junípero Serra founded the mission on July 14, 1771, near what is now Jolon, California. Local Salinan Indians helped build the mission and were its earliest members. The settlement is named for Saint Anthony of Padua, Italy. The mission became noted for its fine breed of horses, and large herds of livestock provided a lively trade in leather and wool. In 1773, the mission hosted the first Christian marriage in Alta California (upper California). In 1833 and 1834, the Mexican government seized and redistributed properties that had belonged to the missions. However, Mission San Antonio survived until 1882, when it was abandoned after the death of its last resident padre (father), Doroteo Ambris.
In 1940, the United States Army acquired the area surrounding the mission, creating the Hunter-Liggett Military Reservation. The combat training center is still active today, and visitors must pass through government property to reach Mission San Antonio. The large church, millhouse, and other mission buildings have been restored to their 1827 appearance. The mission’s original adobe church façade houses three church bells. Serra rang the center bell on the mission’s founding day. The restored priests’ quarters—the convento—has been turned into a museum. Displays include musical instruments, a wine vat and cellar, and various artifacts and artwork. The mission is still an active Roman Catholic parish.
