Saint Thomas Yuma Indian Mission (La Mission Puerto de Purísima Concepción) Winterhaven, California, Arizona Mission District

The Saint Thomas Indian Mission, a Catholic mission in Winterhaven, California, was dedicated in 1923. Its design is a replica of the Mission Puerto de Purísima Concepción, which once stood on the same site. Construction of the original Purísima Concepción Mission began in the fall of 1780, led by Fathers Juan Antonio Barreneche and Francis Tomás Hermenogildo Garcés. Unfortunately, the mission was poorly defended and was destroyed the following year during a raid and massacre by the Quechans (Yuma), occurring from July 17–19, 1781. The Quechans were frustrated by their mistreatment at the hands of the Spanish colonists. The raid tragically resulted in the deaths of Fathers Garcés and Barreneche, who were beaten to death with clubs, and over 100 Spanish settlers. Additionally, 74 settlers were held prisoner until Governor Pedro Fages paid a ransom for their release in 1782. Today, the site of the Purísima Concepción Mission is recognized as California Registered Historic Landmark #350. A plaque and a statue of Father Garcés commemorate the ill-fated mission. It's worth noting that this was one of two missions in the area, with the Mission San Pedro y San Pablo de Bicuner located eight miles away along the river. The site of the mission later became part of Fort Yuma.