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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
City: Tucson
State: Arizona
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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.
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