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San Buenaventura Mission Aqueduct

Discover the remains of the San Buenaventura Mission Aqueduct, a testament to early California's waterworks and the ingenuity of the Chumash and Spanish cultures.

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The San Buenaventura Mission Aqueduct is a remnant of a seven-mile-long water system built between 1780 and 1815 by Chumash Indians and Spanish priests. It supplied water to the Mission San Buenaventura's residents, agricultural lands, and livestock. Today, a 100-foot section remains, offering a glimpse into early California's engineering.

A brief summary to San Buenaventura Mission Aqueduct

  • 234 Canada Larga Rd, Ventura, California, 93001, US
  • Visit website

Local tips

  • The aqueduct is easily visible from Cañada Larga Road, with a parking lot available.
  • Combine your visit with a trip to the nearby Mission San Buenaventura to learn more about the aqueduct's history and context.
  • Be respectful of the site as the ruins are located on private property.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    From downtown Ventura, head north on US-101 and take exit 65 for Cañada Larga Road. Turn right onto Cañada Larga Road, and continue for approximately 1.5 miles. The aqueduct will be visible on the right side of the road. There is a parking lot available. Parking is free.

  • Public Transport

    From the Ventura Transit Center, board the VCTC Intercity Bus Route 2 towards Carpinteria. Get off at a stop near Cañada Larga Road and walk to the aqueduct. Check the VCTC website for the most up-to-date schedules and route information. A single ride fare is approximately $1-4.

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Discover more about San Buenaventura Mission Aqueduct

The San Buenaventura Mission Aqueduct stands as a testament to early California's ingenuity and the collaboration between the Chumash people and Spanish missionaries. Constructed between 1780 and 1815, this seven-mile-long aqueduct was a vital component of the Mission San Buenaventura's infrastructure, supplying water for drinking, irrigation, and livestock. Accounts vary regarding the aqueduct's construction, with some attributing it to Chumash Indians under the guidance of a Spanish priest trained in hydrology, while others suggest it was built by stonemasons from Mexico. Regardless of the exact details, the aqueduct was an impressive feat of engineering, utilizing stone and mortar to channel water from the Ventura River to the mission. The aqueduct included filtering tanks and a settling tank. The aqueduct played a crucial role in the mission's prosperity, enabling the cultivation of extensive orchards, gardens, and vineyards. Visitors in the late 18th and early 19th centuries marveled at the mission's abundance, a direct result of the reliable water supply provided by the aqueduct. Unfortunately, much of the aqueduct was destroyed in the Great Flood of 1862, and settlers repurposed stones from the structure for their own buildings. Today, only a 100-foot section remains near Cañada Larga Road, offering a tangible link to the past. This surviving segment, recognized as a California Historical Landmark and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, serves as a reminder of the San Buenaventura Mission's historical and cultural significance.

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