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Old Mission Reservoir: A Historical Landmark

Explore the Old Mission Reservoir in Ventura, a historical landmark and a testament to early California's water management and cultural heritage.

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The Old Mission Reservoir, a California Historical Landmark, was a crucial component of the Mission San Buenaventura's water system, serving as a settling tank for the seven-mile aqueduct that supplied water to the mission and surrounding community. Today, located in Eastwood Park, it offers a glimpse into Ventura's past.

A brief summary to Old Mission Reservoir

Local tips

  • Visit the nearby Albinger Archaeological Museum to see artifacts spanning 3,500 years of Ventura history.
  • Combine your visit with a tour of the Mission San Buenaventura to gain a deeper understanding of the area's history.
  • Take a walk along Main Street in downtown Ventura, where you'll find antique shops, boutiques, and restaurants.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From Main Street in downtown Ventura, walk east toward Mission San Buenaventura. Eastwood Park, where the Old Mission Reservoir is located, is a short walk north of the Mission, near Valdez Alley. The walk is generally flat and takes about 5-10 minutes from the Mission.

  • Public Transport

    Gold Coast Transit District (GCTD) provides fixed-route bus service in Ventura. Check the GCTD website or call their customer service center for routes and schedules. From a GCTD bus stop in downtown Ventura, walk towards Mission San Buenaventura and then north to Eastwood Park. A single fare is around $2 for adults.

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    A taxi or ride-share from anywhere in downtown Ventura to the Old Mission Reservoir/Eastwood Park will be a short ride. Direct the driver to 69 Mission Plaza Dr, Ventura, CA 93001, or to the intersection of Main Street and Valdez Alley. The ride typically costs between $8 and $12.

  • Driving

    From Highway 101, exit onto Main Street in Ventura and head east. Turn north onto either Figueroa Street or California Street, then turn east onto Santa Clara Street. Turn onto Mission Plaza Dr. Eastwood Park will be on your left. Limited street parking is available in the vicinity. Parking downtown is $1 per hour on Main Street and California Street; all other streets are $.50 per hour; hours of operation are 10 a.m. - 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 10 a.m. – 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

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Discover more about Old Mission Reservoir

The Old Mission Reservoir, designated California Historical Landmark No. 114, stands as a significant historical site in Ventura, California. Located in Eastwood Park, near Valdez Alley and a short walk from Main Street, the reservoir provides a tangible connection to the early days of Mission San Buenaventura and its intricate water system. Constructed between the late 1700s and early 1800s, the reservoir was a vital settling tank within the mission's seven-mile aqueduct. This aqueduct transported water from the Ventura River to the mission, supporting the needs of the padres, Spanish families, and the indigenous population. The Chumash Indians, guided by Spanish priests, primarily built the system. The reservoir's design allowed sediment to settle before the water was distributed for irrigation, drinking, and sanitation, crucial for the mission's self-sufficiency. The aqueduct was an impressive structure of open ditches and elevated stone masonry. While the original reservoir is not fully intact, the site remains a historical marker, reminding visitors of the mission's infrastructure and the lives of those who lived and worked there. Eastwood Park offers a peaceful setting for reflection. Nearby attractions, such as the Albinger Archaeological Museum and the Mission San Buenaventura, further enrich the experience.

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