known as El Presidio de Santa Barbara.
This is separate from the Mission and located in what used to be the old Chinatown of Santa Barbara...
El Presidio de Santa Barbara is one of the most significant landmarks in the city. It was founded in 1782 and was one of the last Spanish built military forts. The only original buildings are el Cuartel (photos at the end of this post) and the Canedo Adobe. The other buildings are recreations but used the original foundations. Adult admission is $5 while TC was free (students), so yay for that.
"Nihonmachi Revisited" exhibit (which is now finished as of late June). This exhibit paid homage to the original families/settlers of this area. Many Japanese lived here in the early 1900's; they operated farms and businesses. After the earthquake in 1925, much of Santa Barbara was rebuilt, and in doing so, many of the older, historic structures in this area were razed. Only a few remain, such as Jimmy's Oriental Gardens across the street (which is now home to Three Pickles Deli and The Pickle Room bar).
The inner courtyard with citrus trees, restrooms, and grapevines.
Statue of Carlos III, King of Spain:
Inside the Chapel of El Presidio:
Such ornate detail in the wall paintings.
If you go to the rail at the left hand side's front row, look down and you will see a plaque:
We were recommended to see this site of significance by a few historian friends (more links at the end of this post; make sure to watch the video link featuring Eloise Gomez Borah):
It was really cool to see this and also know that he was one of the founders of Los Angeles.
One last look at the chapel:
Bricks for the walled fence drying in the sun:
The presidio is also an active archeological site.
View of the Presidio from the eastern side of the street.
Map showing the original configuration:
The last spot in our Presidio tour was the Cuartel, an original adobe struction and one of the last remaining buildings from the original presidio. The cuartel served as a soldier's family residence. It is the oldest in Santa Barbara and the second oldest in the state (the oldest one is in San Juan Capistrano, "Father Serra's Church", according to the enthusiastic and friendly lady working the guest counter).
More of the myriad of beautiful hand painted tiles found all over downtown Santa Barbara.
One last look of the Presidio:
Not related to the Presidio was this...while on our way to the beach, I spied a Spudnuts donut shop!
Sadly, we did not stop since we were eager to get to the beach and find open parking...
I found a fairly recent video on Kababayan Today dated last October (for Filipino American History Month). My friend, Eloisa Gomez Borah, a noted historian and librarian is being interviewed about the historical significance of Anonio Miranda Rodriguez.
Who else went here?
Josh from California Through My Lens, see his detailed post here:
"El Presidio State Park in Santa Barbara, Dec. 19, 2013
Articles/links:
"Antonio Miranda Rodriguez: A Historical Mystery" AsianJournal, July 31, 2008
"Santa Barbara - Points of Interest: El Presidio" SantaBarbara.com
wwwlmilitarymuseum.org/PSB
www.parks.ca.gov/ElPresidio
El Presidio de Santa Barbara
123 E Canon Perdido St.
Santa Barbara, CA
(805) 965-0093
www.sbthp.org + reviews from tripadvisor & you know where
Lunch and coffee check. Spanish, California, Japanese and Filipno American History lesson learned. It was time to head back to the beach, this time a local favorite, not where the tourists are...
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