Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa

Mission San Luis, Obispo de Tolosa

Founded in September 1, 1772 by Junipero Serra. Named for Saint Louis of Anjou Bishop of Toulouse, France. This was the first of the California Missions to be covered with native red tile roofing which was made by the Indians. San Luis Obispo was nick named "Valley of the Bears" because of the numerous bears in the region. After running out of provisions the Spaniards discovered that bear meat was an excellent meal choice. Spanish Soldiers slaughtered many hundreds of bears, made jerky of the meat and supplied two other Missions with the meat. This Mission was restored in 1934.


Beautiful main entrance to the mission church

View of the inside the church	Father Serra

Early photo circa 1880