Founded on July 25, 1797 and named after Saint Michael the Arcangel, Mission San Miguel Arcangel was the 16th mission founded in the 21 mission chain in Alta California. Unfortunately, the Earthquake of December 22nd, 2003 caused extensive damage to the old Mission Church, and the entire Mission Complex is closed for now to the public. However, the mission can still be viewed on the outside from the parking lot.