Dennis Headrick,
President of the Lompoc Valley Historical Society, responds
Hi Randy!
You're right, it's not highly publicized and it may be because of the following:
There isn't a lot visible above ground at the original site except for a small portion of the chapel entry arch. Much of
the remainder was buried by mudslides in the 1812 earthquake and most of the remaining above-ground adobe
structures were destroyed over the years by the elements. Much of the original site is now covered by private
residences and some mission remains can be found within the surrounding private properties.
I suspect the residential nature of the surrounding area and the fact that it is very "passive" are reasons that it's not
touted as a major attraction. Unless you are very much into mission research and archealogy, there is not much to
look at except a few historical markers!
The few vacant properties still existing in the area were purchased by the City of Lompoc in order to preserve the
sensitive archealogical nature of the area. Interpretive paths have also been established through the area.
