Category: Mission Santa Clara

Battle of Santa Clara, Battle of the Mustard Stalks, Mission Santa Clara, Mission Santa Clara de Asís, Mission Santa Clara de Asis

Battle of the Mustard Stalks – The Only Mexican-American War Battle Fought In Northern California

Hamilton Historical Records

On January 2, 1847, the Battle of the Mustard Stalks, more commonly known as the Battle of Santa Clara, began on a mustard field near Mission Santa Clara de Asís. The battle continued until February 7th and was the only battle of the Mexican-American War in northern California.

On February 8th, 1847, an armistice between Mexican forces, led by Francisco Sanchez, and the Americans was signed by an Oak tree. The Mexican revolt was the last of its kind in Northern California until California became a state in 1850.

In present day, historical markers indicate a site of the battle and of the armistice, by the Santa Clara City Hall.

The original historical marker for the armistice was moved when the El Camino Real Road was modified.

Mission Santa Clara, Mission Santa Clara de Asís, Mission Santa Clara de Asis, Santa Clara, California

The Mission Period In The Santa Clara Valley

Hamilton Historical Records

In 1769, Ohlone Indians first encountered Spanish travelers in the bay area. A few years later, on January 12, 1777, Mission Santa Clara de Asis became the eighth of the Catholic California missions founded in California.

The plaques associated with “Stroll into the Past”, next to the the Santa Clara City Hall Building, where part of the city’s 150th anniversary celebration in 2002.

Mission Santa Clara, Mission Santa Clara de Asis

The Third Established Church for Mission Santa Clara

Hamilton Historical Records

Construction for the third site for Mission Santa Clara de Asis began in 1781 after the first two Mission churches had flooded. On May 15, 1784, the third building was dedicated as a official mission church.

The third Mission was deemed to be a success by Catholic authorities at the time.

In the 1900s, Santa Clara University was formed and took ownership of the mission property.

Santa Clara University has the fourth mission building on campus and open to the public.

In present day various plaques mark the third site for Mission Santa Clara with a large wooden cross, as the original building is no longer in existence.