The history of this California mission from its founding in 1772, through its development and use in serving the Chumash Indians, and its secularization and function today.

Learn about the rich history of Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa: how it started, the people who ran it, the indigenous population, and its legacy today.

Learn about the rich history of Mission San Fernando Rey de España: how it started, the people who ran it, the indigenous population, and its legacy today.

Learn about the rich history of Mission San Antonio de Padua: how it started, the people who ran it, the indigenous population, and its legacy today.

Learn about the rich history of Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa: how it started, the people who ran it, the indigenous population, and its legacy today.

California was a wild and lawless place in the 1850s, and San Luis Obispo County was no exception. Outlaws and bandits passed along the El Camino Real, now Highway 101, leaving a trail of victims. Despite attempts to stem the tide of crime with a vigilante committee and a string of executions, notorious men continued to be drawn to the central coast well into the next century. The James brothers, the Daltons and even Al Capone made their mark here, while lawmen worked to tame this piece of the western frontier. Author Jim Gregory details nefarious activities lost to time.

Learn about the rich history of Mission Santa Bárbara: how it started, the people who ran it, the indigenous population, and its legacy today.