The mission was named in honor of St. Francis Solanus, born in Montilla, Spain in 1549. At the age of 29 he joined the Franciscans and was sent as a missionary to Peru where for 20 years he was influential among the colonists, and particularly among the Indians. A skilled violinist, he often performed for the Indians to attract them to catechism. This man of peace died in 1610 and was canonized in 1726. He is the patron of Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Peru, Paraguay, and Uruguay. Fr. Serra was particularly devoted to him.

Saint Francis Solanus

The last and northernmost of the California missions was founded July 4, 1823 when Friar Jose Altimira decided to start one without the approval of the mission president. He believed that a location with a warmer climate would help keep the Indians healthy. He also expected that San Rafael and San Francisco Missions would be closed in favor of his new one. Amazingly the president did agree to let the mission stay and soon a church and missionary quarters were built. Even the Russian donated useful items such as church bells. Fr. Altimira was not popular with the Indians and he was forced out. Fr. Buenaventura Fortuny was more benevolent and successfully completed a quadrangle by 1833. This mission is now part of a State historic park which includes the Sonoma barracks, the Vallejo home, the Jack London and the Petaluma adobe.