Hidden California (2024)

12/12/2023

Rock City Wind Caves: https://hiddenca.com/rock-city-wind-caves/

Since I’d never been to Berkeley before, we decided to camp on Mt. Diablo and get a little taste of what it’s like out here! The campsite offered beautiful views and on our way to Santa Cruz, we hit up this wind cave on the way down!

The Rock City Wind Caves hike was a very quick adventure for us, but we did not have time to comb through the entire area. There are other trails offered that we could have taken which lead to bigger wind caves and the popular Sentinel Rock.

We did hike to Elephant Rock though, which was definitely cool to see. We have an eagle-shaped rock in San Diego in the town of Warner Springs. Now I can say I’ve seen an elephant-shaped rock as well!

Read full article, see more photos and get directions here: https://hiddenca.com/rock-city-wind-caves/

08/12/2023

River Inn: https://hiddenca.com/river-inn/

Nestled amid towering redwoods along the scenic Big Sur River, lies the historic Big Sur River Inn, Big Sur's first hotel and restaurant. Founded by the region's prominent pioneering families more than seventy years ago, it is much more than just another Big Sur hotel.

This has been the site of fun family vacations, wedding celebrations and quiet Big Sur getaways for many generations.

Relax from the pressure of civilization on the sun-dappled deck beside the Inn’s outdoor pool. Renew your spirit with great food and drink in the historic dining room overlooking the Big Sur River.

Read full article, see more photos and get directions here: https://hiddenca.com/river-inn/

06/12/2023

Randyland: https://hiddenca.com/randyland/

Located in a normal-looking neighborhood in Los Angeles county sits one very unique home. The front yard has been transformed into a spectacle of colorful, teardrop-shaped bottles filled with water, forming into one gigantic, thought-provoking art installation.

The place is known as Randyland, and this ever-changing art piece is created by the ingenious mind of one individual: Randlett King Lawrence. Lawrence began this artistic endeavor in 2000 after finding inspiration looking at water in a teardrop-shaped vase.

The way the sunlight refracted and played on the colors of the vase made his mind go wild with the possibilities at hand. And so he began creating.

awrence said he was interested in creating a new medium for the art world to work with. He said the material is glass and water, but the medium is refracted light. Each teardrop-shaped vessel becomes a large convex lens when full of water.

You can see a shrunken, upside down sky and a bright tiny sun in each one. So the medium is a vast multiplicity of living skies and shining suns.

Read full article, see more photos and get directions here: https://hiddenca.com/randyland/

03/11/2023

New spot added to our Hidden California site: Conejo Valley Botanic Garden! https://hiddenca.com/conejo-valley-botanic-garden/

The Conejo Valley Botanic Garden is nestled between the encroaching urban sprawl of Southern California and the untamed beauty of the Santa Monica Mountains.

This peaceful nature sanctuary boasts 33 acres of winding trails through beautifully curated gardens that illustrate the beauty and importance of native species.

A stream, expansive hillside views, and miles of hiking trails (with benches along the way) make Conejo Valley Botanic Garden a must-see experience for the whole family.

This tranquil oasis of biodiversity lets visitors explore botanical wonders, learn about native wildlife, and witness the importance of conservation.

Read full article, see more photos and get directions here: https://hiddenca.com/conejo-valley-botanic-garden/

15/10/2023

New spot added to our site: Lummis Home and Garden! https://hiddenca.com/lummis-home/

The Lummis Home, also known as El Alisal, is an historic landmark located in Los Angeles. It is closely associated with Charles Fletcher Lummis who is recognized for his preservation of the American Southwest’s cultural heritage.

Constructed between 1897 and 1910, Lummis designed the home to reflect the unique cultural and natural elements of the American Southwest.

Lummis used stone, adobe, and wooden beams to create a structure that seamlessly blends into its natural surroundings. The Lummis Home served as a gathering space for artists, and writers during its time, such as people like John Muir.

Today, the Lummis Home is part of the Los Angeles Cultural Heritage Commission and is open to the public as a museum. Visitors can explore the unique architecture, Lummis’ personal collection of Native American artifacts and his extensive library.

Read full article, see more photos and get directions here: https://hiddenca.com/lummis-home/

10/10/2023

New spot added to our Hidden California site: Preston School of Industry located in Ione: https://hiddenca.com/preston-school-of-industry/

Article by Allison Morgan- Construction of the Preston School of Industry began in December 1890 and was completed in 1894, using granite mined by prisoners in Folsom and San Quentin. It was a prison built by prisoners… for child prisoners.

Preston School of Industry was a “reformatory for troubled boys”, and the breathtaking Romanesque Revival architecture of the administration building known as Preston Castle was intended to make it appear less a prison and more academic.

The Castle truly is visually stunning, perched on its hilltop in Ione, visible for miles. Red brick and spires can’t erase the knowledge that the prisoners were typically aged 14-24, and sometimes younger.

“Wards” was the term used in the earlier days, but when you’re behind razor wire-topped fences, prisoner seems more fitting. So many lived (and died) here, abandoned, forgotten, imprisoned and abused that the Castle’s stair treads are worn from the countless footsteps.

Read full article, see more photos and get directions here: https://hiddenca.com/preston-school-of-industry/

12/09/2023

9 Beautiful Swimming Holes in California: https://hiddenca.com/hidden-guide/9-beautiful-swimming-holes-in-california/

California is filled with rejuvenating swimming spots of all varieties – almost all of which are accompanied by stunning views, beautiful wildlife, and lots of potential adventure.

Grab a fluffy towel and read on for a list of 9 beautiful swimming holes where you can really appreciate all that California has to offer: https://hiddenca.com/hidden-guide/9-beautiful-swimming-holes-in-california/

02/09/2023

Punta Cabras: https://hiddenca.com/punta-cabras/

In 2020 we added Baja California to our site because afterall, it does have the name California in it and it is BRIMMING with exciting places to explore. The first spot I added is the beautiful Punta Cabras, which is directly north of Ejido Eréndira.

This is a small community located south of Ensenada with a population of 1,461 people. Most of the residents who live here make a living by fishing. However, in spite of this Eréndira is an isolated and undeveloped beach.

While it has areas with the rough, cold seas common on the Pacific side of Baja California, it also has very calm days where the Ocean is very relaxed.

Extreme Caution should be used when approaching, paddling out, and dropping in at either coves as the shoreline can be littered with rough boulders, rip-currents, and heavy tidal swings.

Read full article, see more photos and get directions here: https://hiddenca.com/punta-cabras/

24/08/2023

Prospect Park: https://hiddenca.com/prospect-park/

Prospect Park is an 11.4 nature park located in Redlands. This is an excellent spot for picnics and photoshoots with endless scenic nooks and crannies. The park holds the outdoor-seating Avice Meeker Sewall Theater for 400+ people which is where the Redlands Summer Theater Festival is held.

Before it became Prospect Park, the land was originally purchased from the Southern Pacific Railroad in 1881. The land cost $1.25 per acre! The area was originally used as a boarding house for laborers which later become the first hotel in Redlands. Guests paid $1 for a night at the hotel.

Their is also a gorgeous Victorian home on the grounds called the Kimberly Crest. It was closed due to Covid when we visited, but trust me, will be back!

Haunted? Sadly, during our research of Prospect Park, we learned that there have been some very disturbing murders over the years. The most prominent murder is probably that of a young girl whose body was found above the amphitheater.

One person recounts “I used to run around Prospect Park making the security guards chase my friends and me, while running from the guard, someone reached out from one of the orange trees as I passed and grabbed a hold of me, and it was not one of the people I was with. Scared the living poo out of me.”

Read full article, see more photos and get directions here: https://hiddenca.com/prospect-park/

20/08/2023

Point Lobos State Reserve: https://hiddenca.com/point-lobos-state-reserve/
Point Lobos contains a number of hiking trails, many next to the ocean, and a smaller number of beaches. It is the site of a historic marine reserve, which was expanded in 2007. It is also the home to a museum on whaling, which includes a historic building once used by area fishermen.

The longstanding wildlife protection and scenic seascape have led Point Lobos to have a reputation as an unparalleled local recreational scuba diving destination.

We just kinda tinkered around from trail to trail, not knowing what was around the corner. We did buy a $2 map though which I highly suggest. We even saw otters!

Read full article, see more photos and get directions here: https://hiddenca.com/point-lobos-state-reserve/

18/08/2023

Secrets of Disneyland: https://hiddenca.com/secrets-disneyland-anaheim/ PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN-

1. Located directly above the Pirates of the Caribbean is an immense luxury apartment that was meant to entertain VIP guests during special events. The suite includes a living room, two bedrooms, two bathrooms and an open-air patio. Park guests are randomly selected to stay inside the suite. From 1987 to 2007, the suite was turned into the Disney Gallery. At the end of 2007, it was turned back into the Dream Suite for guests to stay in.

2. Real Skeletons- If you have ever been on the Pirates of the Caribbean ride you have most definitely noticed the skeleton props. What you probably didn’t know is that some of the skeletons are REAL. When the ride first opened in the late 60’s, skeletons from the UCLA Medical School were used instead of fake props due to the fact that they looked more realistic. Today, only one real skeleton remains. Look for the skull on the headboard of the bed!

3. Walt’s Dog: The dog holding the keys was modeled after Walt’s dog

Read our full list of 84 Secrets of Disneyland here! https://hiddenca.com/secrets-disneyland-anaheim/

15/08/2023

17 Unique Architectural Spaces in SoCal: https://hiddenca.com/hidden-guide/17-unique-architectural-spaces-in-socal/

Southern California is filled with hidden gems and eccentric places that many people may not know about. Within the windy roads from the coast to the desert are unique architectural spaces you won’t want to miss during your visit. Check out our list of 17 Unique Architectural Spaces in SoCal: https://hiddenca.com/hidden-guide/17-unique-architectural-spaces-in-socal/

16/07/2023

14 Hidden Gems in San Bernardino County: https://hiddenca.com/hidden-gems-of-san-bernardino/

San Bernardino is a highly versatile county covering everything from the desert land of Joshua Tree to the snow-capped mountains of Big Bear and Crestline. There is just SO much to do out here and plenty of interesting and mysterious spots to learn about.

This list will be ever-growing so make sure to occasionally check back. For now, here is our list of Hidden Gems in San Bernardino County! https://hiddenca.com/hidden-gems-of-san-bernardino/

09/07/2023

Point Buchon: https://hiddenca.com/point-buchon-trail/

Directly south of Montaña de Oro State Park lays this special trail that was only recently open to the public. Oddly enough, the Point Buchon Trail is owned by Pacific Gas & Electric and therefore sits on private property.

You are legally allowed to hike the trail during open hours but must first stop by the small rangers station and put your name on a list. Simple enough and then we were on our way!

Total there are over 6.5 miles of hiking trails, and many forks which allows the Point Buchon Trail to be more of a choose your own adventure. There is no shade out here so be mindful of the time of day and year if you choose to hike it.

The scenery is phenomenal. Both lush, grassy meadows with hints of colorful wildflowers among the rocky shore. There are multiple sea caves which can be admired from above, and if the tide is low enough, at least one that you can admire from within!

We got lucky the day we hiked and got a close-up view of the cave. The colors and size were quite impressive!

Read full article, see more photos and get directions here: https://hiddenca.com/point-buchon-trail/

05/07/2023

New spot added to our site: Huntington Beach Painted Ladies: https://hiddenca.com/huntington-beach-painted-ladies/

When one thinks of Victorian ‘Painted Ladies’ the first homes that most often come to mind are the beautiful homes in San Francisco. There are many lovely Victorians all over California though and Huntington Beach is no different!

On two streets a couple blocks from each other stand rows of OC’s very own Painted Ladies! Orange County often gets a bad rep for cookie cutter tract homes. That makes finding the truly unique homes even more exciting and when they're easy to drive up to, even better!

It turns out these specific Victorians are not historical at all but instead inspired by the Victorian era. They were built in the 1980's but still have plenty of beautiful details to admire and loaded with charm! Even better, they are very close to the beach making this a great day trip!

Please keep in mind that these are private residences so you must admire from the outside only.

Read full article, see more photos and get directions here: https://hiddenca.com/huntington-beach-painted-ladies/

27/06/2023

New spot added to our site: English Springs Park! https://hiddenca.com/english-springs-park/

We came across English Springs Park by chance one day while in the area. This turned out to be a beautiful park with a waterfall and the perfect spot to relax for awhile before continuing our day.

There were a ton of turtles including a bottlenose turtle (not sure what its real name is at this point). It was such a treat to see though.

The lake was a stunning turquoise the day we visited and so many water-loving creatures were basking in the sun. It was a great afternoon all around.

If you choose to do the loop around the pond it is .8 miles. There will most likely be many people visiting here both on foot and wheels. This is a good park for young children or the elderly as it is short with minimal elevation gain.

Read full article, see more photos and get directions here: https://hiddenca.com/english-springs-park/

21/06/2023

Pogonip Limekiln Trail: https://hiddenca.com/pogonip-historic-limekiln/

Tucked away in the Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park lays a piece Santa Cruz’ crumbling history: the Pogonip Historic Limekilns. These limekilns were built by crewmembers for industrialist business-tycoon Henry Cowell.

Henry CowellCowell purchased the forest in 1865 as an addition to his already bustling lime operating business in the vicinity. At the time, significant buildings in San Francisco were built using the redwood and limestone products from this area.

Most of the workers were immigrants from Portugal, Italy, Ireland and other parts of Europe who labored at quarrying rock, chopping wood, making barrels, or firing the kilns. The bricks used to construct the limekilns were shipped over from Europe as well.

Much later Henry’s son, Sam Cowell, donated his grandfather’s land to the state under the condition that Santa Cruz County also give up its nearby portion of the land (Big Trees Park) to the State so that it could all be managed together. This land became what is known today as Henry Cowell State Park.

Read full article, see more photos and get directions here: https://hiddenca.com/pogonip-historic-limekiln/

06/06/2023

Pioneertown & Pappy & Harriets: https://hiddenca.com/pioneertown/

Built in the 1940’s, Pioneertown was originally created with the purpose of being a live-in Old West motion-picture set. The set was a place for the actors to live while filming and was designed to look like an 1870’s frontier town.

The set was funded by Hollywood tycoons Roy Rogers, Gene Autry, Russell Hayden, and the Sons of the Pioneers (for whom the town was named). More than 50 popular western films from the 1940’s and 50’s were shot here with famous actors like the Cisco Kid’s Leo Carrillo.

The super-popular Pappy & Harriets was originally a fake cantina used in films and part of Pioneertown’s movie sets. In 1972, the cantina was purchased and turned into an outlaw biker burrito bar.

10 years later the bar closed, and was turned into what we all know today as Pappy & Harriet’s. Today, the family style Tex-Mex cuisine has amazing live music featuring many famous indie artists and other big names such as Paul McCartney Eric Burdon of the Animals and Robert Plant of Led Zeppelin!

You never know who may be playing next. It is definitely a place to stop by if you are visiting Joshua Tree.

Read full article, see more photos and get directions here: https://hiddenca.com/pioneertown/

30/05/2023

Pimu Eco Village: https://hiddenca.com/pimu-eco-village/

Pimu Eco Village offers lodging experiences to guests through the nonprofit organization Mountain and Sea Adventures. Their program is based out of White’s Landing, which is a private beach on Catalina Island, and not open to the general public. Their organization’s mission is to transform the lives of those who visit while advocating for environmental preservation and restoration.

Mountain and Sea Adventures has primarily been a camp, specifically a 6th grade camp, since the 1990’s. More recently they have expanded their options to include lodging for guests such as you and I who would love to explore this part of the island! Enjoy hiking, swimming, kayaking and just soaking in the majestic beauty of this island.

There is a clubhouse which is open 24/7 where they serve freshly-cooked breakfast every morning for all guests. There are also bathrooms and even an outdoor shower which heats up very nicely! Sleeping options range from you bringing your own tent, canvas tents with beds inside, cabins or bungalows. Choose your own adventure!

Read full article, see more photos and get directions here: https://hiddenca.com/pimu-eco-village/

28/05/2023

Pfeiffer Beach: https://hiddenca.com/pfeiffer-beach/

Pfeiffer Beach is one of Big Sur's many magical destinations. It is most notable for its purple says and peek-hole arch known as Keyhole Arch.

The day we visited Pfeiffer Beach they were turning cars away because the parking lot was full. We were given the option to walk the 1.5 miles to the beach and since we're up for random adventures we thought "why not?"

The walk took awhile but the scenery was so pretty and there are plenty of small details that you wouldn't notice if you were driving.

Once we got to the beach, we were blown away. It's one of the most beautiful beach I have ever seen in person. The purple sand here is due to manganese deposits but I did not notice any and only read about it after my trip.

Read full article, see more photos and get directions here: https://hiddenca.com/pfeiffer-beach/

17/05/2023

Peace Awareness Labyrinth & Gardens: https://hiddenca.com/peace-awareness-labyrinth-gardens/

The Peace Awareness Labyrinth & Gardens is an historical Renaissance home built in 1910 that is open to the public for tours, meditation and other spiritual events.

The mansion has quite a history, originally being built by Secundo Guasti whom was one of the biggest winemakers in California at the time. There’s even a whole town built by and named after him!

In 1937, the property was purchased by Hollywood director and choreographer, Busby Berkeley. Berkeley was known for using a lot of experimental methods in his production which included complex geometric patterns alongside showgirls and elaborate musical assembling.

Eventually the villa was sold to the Peace Theological Seminary in 1974. As of today, it is the headquarters for the Movement of Spiritual Inner Awareness.

The Movement of Spiritual Inner Awareness, or “MSIA” is said to be one of Hollywood’s more “harmless cults”. This is because they don’t make their members cut off contact with their friends and family nor attempt to control their members.

Regardless, if you are an appreciator of beautiful architecture and historical homes with ties to the rich and famous, you will most likely enjoy a tour here. Keep in mind that it is mostly held outside so choose a day when the weather is good!

Read full article, see more photos and get directions here: https://hiddenca.com/peace-awareness-labyrinth-gardens/

05/05/2023

Paramount Ranch: https://hiddenca.com/paramount-ranch/

**Paramount Ranch was destroyed by the 2018 Woosley fire, but restoration efforts have since begin. Construction to replace some of what was lost at Paramount Ranch will begin in spring 2023 and wrap-up in fall 2024**

What now appears to be a ghost town tucked away in the Santa Monica hills of [L.A.](https://hiddenca.com/counties/los-angeles-county/) was once a very popular film set for almost every Western film in the early to mid 20th century.

For over 60 years, this spot was used to mimic all types of locations such as Tombstone, AZ, Laredo, New Mexico, even Tom Sawyer’s Missouri! Producers have even passed it off as 13th century China and colonial Salem.

Western movies used to be extremely popular in Hollywood but it’s rather challenging to create a convincing Western set in the studio especially with wide open spaces needed. Instead of flying the cast all over the country, Paramount created a full-on fictitious town, known as a movie ranch.

Read full article, see more photos and get directions here: https://hiddenca.com/paramount-ranch/

21/04/2023

Mission Historical Park: https://hiddenca.com/mission-historical-park/

Mission Historical Park is a 10-acre park located next to the Old Mission Santa Barbara. The mission was the 10th Californian Mission built by the Spanish Franciscans and was established in 1786. It is known as the “Queen of the Missions”.

The mission and historical park were largely built by the Chumash people, who were greatly exploited during the Mission period. After the Spanish invasion in the late 1700’s, the Chumash were forced to convert to Christianity and treated as slaves, aka “Mission Indians”. This eventually led to a revolt in 1824.

Some of the features built by the Chumash at Mission Historical Park were the following: a water-powered grist mill and reservoir, a square stone reservoir, a tannery and a pottery.

In 1948, the remainder of the land comprising the present day park was gifted to the City by the Franciscan Fathers.

Read full article, see more photos and get directions here: https://hiddenca.com/mission-historical-park/

12/04/2023

New spot added to our site: Lava Tube Trail in Mojave Desert! https://hiddenca.com/lava-tube-trail/

The Mojave Desert is such a mysterious area. Many don’t realize, but a lot of those “hills” you may be admiring while driving through are actually volcanos! There are 32 volcanos to be exact scattered near the Lava Tube Trail so definitely keep your eyes peeled!

The volcanos in this region are called cinder cones, and are smaller than the average volcano. They began erupting nearly 8 million years ago, emitting their last lava flow around 10,000 years ago.

This is such an amazing site to see, with hardened lava rocks all around the hike. The lava tube itself is such a treat to get to explore as you actually get to go inside it.

The inside is around 75 ft. in length and feels as though you’re inside a cave. Take some time in here still, meditate if you can. It’s not every day you get to sit inside of a lava tube!

Read full article, see more photos and get directions here: https://hiddenca.com/lava-tube-trail/

11/04/2023

Palace of Fine Arts: https://hiddenca.com/palace-of-fine-arts/

The Palace of Fine Arts is an historical monument that was built in 1915 for Panama-Pacific Exposition in San Francisco. Balboa Park in San Diego was also built for the same traveling exposition. The Palace of Fine Arts is the only structure from the Exposition in SF that survives on site.

Conceived to evoke a decaying ruin of ancient Rome, the Palace of Fine Arts became one of San Francisco’s most recognizable landmarks. This was originally one of 10 palaces built for the exhibition.

The others included were the Palaces of Education, Liberal Arts, Manufactures, Varied Industries, Agriculture, Food Products, Transportation, Mines and Metallurgy and the Palace of Machinery.

Read full article, see more photos and get directions here: https://hiddenca.com/palace-of-fine-arts/

06/04/2023

Oso Creek Park: https://hiddenca.com/oso-creek-park/

The Oso Creek Park in Mission Viejo contains one of the main routes for water to travel through the San Juan Creek Watershed. Since the late 1970's, Oso Creek has been captured and sent to a treatment facility to irrigate over 70% of Mission Viejo's city-owned landscape.

According to Oso Creek Trail's brochure, the creek was usually dry throughout the year until development of the city caused water to flow all year long.

During development of Oso Creek Park, rare fossils were discovered such as baleen, toothed whales, long-snouted dolphins, primitive sea lions, sharks, rays and a variety of bony fish along the creek bed.

There are many features to explore while here which include a peace obelisk to honor victims from 9/11, mosaic history walls in the Character Garden, painted butterflies, the Celebration Garden, Wave Wall and more!

Read full article, see more photos and get directions here: https://hiddenca.com/oso-creek-park/

03/04/2023

Old World Village: https://hiddenca.com/old-world-village/

We learned about the Old World Village just by chance when looking up healthy dining options with a unique aesthetic in the area we were hanging out at. Yelp showed a cute café nearby and so we decided to head over. We were floored when we saw the “shopping mall” the café was inside of. Had we somehow teleported to Europe?

This outside shopping center also doubles as a residency for many. Each building has rustic vibes and paintings with themes from various European countries. So very quickly I wondered, what is the back-story on this place?

In the 1950’s a developer by the name of Josef Bischof moved from Germany to Huntington Beach. Missing his homeland, he dreamed of creating a space that paid homage to his roots.

After finding a suitable plot of land, Bischof built 50 shops with 50 homes on top of them. This was done in traditional Bavarian style. He had cobblestone streets constructed with imported lanterns and 70 murals painted throughout the village all depicting scenes from 18 European countries. He built a church for worship, a hall for gatherings and wedding receptions, a garden gazebo, a restaurant and a market.

Read full article, see more photos and get directions here: https://hiddenca.com/old-world-village/

30/03/2023

Old Town Temecula: https://hiddenca.com/old-town-temecula/

Old Town Temecula is a lively strip that is brimming with both history and amazing shops and restaurants. I was surprised to see how much more extensive Temecula’s Old Town was to San Diego’s in term of preserved, historic buildings. Or perhaps, it was more their size. This is a truly impressive place to visit for the history and architecture alone!

Marvel at block after block of western-era storefronts, wooden boardwalks, adorable boutiques, live entertainment, and of course, an incredible selection of food and beverages! Attend one of their annual festivals or street fairs, visit one of their craft breweries, dancing to live music and more!

This area has been home to 7 bands for more than 10,000 years: Pechanga, Pauma, Pala, Rincon, San Luis Rey, La Jolla, and Soboba. They call themselves Payómkawichum (the People of the West).

Temecula, or Teméeku (Sun Place) as they call it, holds very sacred meaning to them. This region is where they say their ancestor’s creation story takes place....read full article, see more photos and get directions here: https://hiddenca.com/old-town-temecula/

15/03/2023

Old Mission Santa Barbara: https://hiddenca.com/old-mission-santa-barbara/

The Old Mission Santa Barbara was founded on December 4th, 1786 by Father Fermin Lasuin. It would be the 11th California Mission to be built and was named after Saint Barbara. It is the only mission still under the administration of the Franciscan Order.

Despite what the mission websites usually claim, the missions were not a place of peace and enlightenment for most of the Natives. The Old Mission Santa Barbara used the Chumash tribes for slave labor to build the mission, brick by brick.

The bands were taken from their land and put on reservations, being forced into Catholicism and losing their identity. For 60 years, they were imprisoned and forced into labor and beatings.

The death rates of the Natives were appallingly high and said to be of a higher rate than those being born annually. The crippled the Native population that was already suffering from the diseases brought over seas.

Read full article, see more photos and get directions here: https://hiddenca.com/old-mission-santa-barbara/

Hidden California