Also known as: The White Dove of the Desert Built: 1783-1793 Type: Holy Place Location: Tohono O'dham Indian Reservation, West San Xavier Road, Tucson, United States
T he epitome of southwestern mission architecture, the Mission San Xavier is a relic from a time when pioneers exploring the American interior came from the south instead of the east. Father Eusebio Francisco Kino founded the original mission here in 1692 during his travels through the wilderness of old California. He founded a number of missions over the years, and this one was established at the place where the underground Santa Cruz river comes to the surface. As with all missions of the American southwest, a town grew around it as people searched for faith, prosperity, and protection from indian attacks. One of those attacks destroyed the mission, and a new one had to be built. The mission you see today was erected in 1783 about two miles south of the original. The church's south tower was never completed. It is not known if this was because of a lack of money, a lack of time, or an abundance of hostile weather and indians. What was completed is the amazing frescoes inside. Detailed geometric patterns and religious themes adorn the whole of the interior in colors that must have been brilliant when seen by the eyes of the original parishoners. The mission enjoyed modest prosperity until 1828 when the Mexican government, fresh from its victory over Spain, demanded loyalty from all Spanish priests in its territory. The Franciscans at San Xavier refused, and returned to Span in 1831 while the new Mexican government confiscated the land and buildings. For more than 25 years the church was vacant, and travelers crossing the wasteland of Mexico bound for the promise of wealth in California stopped here to rest in the shade and etch their names on the interior walls. The mission came back to life in 1863 when the Diocese of Santa Fe was given responsibility for the new territory of Arizona. Repairs were made and a priest was once again installed at San Xavier.
1751: Prima Indians forced to work in Spanish mines revolted, taking their anger out on Mission San Xavier del Bac. They ransacked the church, looting what they could carry and destroying what they couldn't.
~1760: Apache indians attack the mission, destroying the buildings.
1783: Construction starts on the current mission.
1828: The Mexican government demands loyalty from all priests in its territory.
1831: The mission is abandoned and the Mexican government confiscates the land and buildings.
1863: Diocese of Santa Fe restores the mission.
1887: The church is damaged in an earthquake. The church is constructed from fired bricks covered with lime plaster. The church foundation is six feet deep.
Douglas Bridges
Saturday, December 30th, 2006 @ 1:24pm
Rating: Five stars. Recently we visited the Tucson area for the first time. We were especially impressed by the Mission. We certainly support the notion that this is a national treasure.
Robert Feldes
Monday, January 30th, 2006 @ 10:50am
Rating: Five stars. I visited the mission in 1985 and will be back in the area this coming June and hope to visit it again. Very beautiful mission and I enjoy just to sit and take in the beauty and solitude. Thank you for preserving this place.
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Douglas Bridges
Five stars.