Despite a rocky start, San Jose Mission managed to thrive and today serves as a historical marker for the missions in the past. The mission was begun by Fr. Jose Altimira. He built the mission in 1823. It was the last mission built in California. Three years later the mission was burned down and Fr. Altimira abandoned it to return to Spain two years after that. A replacement was sent to rebuild the mission. Fr. Fortuny, the successor, helped to restore order and rebuild the mission. The mission was rebuilt with buildings surrounding a square enclosure. The mission had grown to 27 rooms by 1832 and featured an adobe church and a storehouse. The mission also included workshops where items were created and a garden area that included an orchard and vineyards that helped the mission to be self-sufficient. The mission was only open for 11 years but it was rather successful after the rebuilding. In 1834 the mission and all missions were closed under the order of the Mexican Congress. After closing the mission buildings deteriorated. In 1841 a small church was built on the location and the remaining buildings on the site were used for various purposes. The only two original buildings of the mission were bought in 1903 by a restoration organization. They are now part of the California Park System and have been restored. The mission now serves as a way to teach mission history. Visitors are welcome to come tour the mission buildings and see the artifacts.
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