The Mission Revival style in California originated in the late 19th century and was inspired by the architecture of the Spanish missions that were established by Catholic friars during the Spanish colonial period. The style gained popularity in the late 1800s and early 1900s as a romanticized interpretation of California's Spanish colonial heritage.
The movement was largely influenced by the publication of "Ramona" in 1884, a novel by Helen Hunt Jackson that romanticized the missions and their history. The book, along with an increased interest in preserving and commemorating California's Spanish past, led to a revival of interest in the architectural style of the missions.
The Mission Revival style was characterized by its simple and austere design, intended to evoke the mission churches. Its distinct features included smooth plastered walls, red tile roofs, decorative ironwork, and arched doorways and windows. The style often incorporated elements from other architectural styles such as Moorish, Mexican, and Spanish Colonial Revival.
The Panama-California Exposition, held in San Diego in 1915, played a significant role in popularizing the Mission Revival style. The fairgrounds, consisting of elaborate Spanish-inspired buildings, showcased the architectural style to a wide audience. This exposure led to an increased demand for Mission Revival-style buildings across California.
The Mission Revival style gained popularity as an architectural choice for residential, commercial, and institutional buildings throughout the early 20th century. It became particularly fashionable for designing schools, churches, train stations, and government buildings.
However, the style waned in popularity after the 1920s, as other architectural styles like Art Deco and Modernism gained prominence. Yet, some revival of interest in the style occurred in the 1970s, partly due to the preservation efforts and the influence of the historic preservation movement.
Today, many Mission Revival-style buildings remain an integral part of California's architectural heritage, particularly in cities like Santa Barbara, San Diego, and Pasadena. These structures serve as a reminder of the unique blend of Spanish and American influences that shaped the state's history.
Publication date: