Mission Nuestra Señora de la Soledad, was founded thirteenth in the chain of missions, in 1791. Located in a lonely, desolated site in the Salinas Valley, the mission survived under very difficult weather conditions. Besides that, the area was either damaged by floods, whipped by non-stop winds or made to suffer through very dry periods. Mission Soledad became very prosperous even with all the adverse conditions. This was due almost completely to the fertile land in the valley. Agricultural production was high, and the livestock numbers were high. The period of prosperity was fairly short and misfortune settled in on the mission. Many Indians died from disease, flood after flood wiped out the mission buildings and one by one the leaders died. The ruins of the mission sat untouched for over one hundred years. Finally, in 1954, the Native Daughters of the Golden West started a restoration project for the mission and started a small museum. The former lonely place of desolation has become a charming oasis.
Painstakingly sculpted by hand, then reproduced in cold-cast porcelain, each Mission de Oro collectible contains the minute details that remind us of their pastoral history. Towering palm trees shelter colorful gardens while red-tiled roofs keep the rain off white stucco walls – each mission tells a warm story of California history. This “Cameo-sized” mission is approximately 3"W x 3"D x 2"H. Price: $26.00 |