Santa_Cruz_Mission's_"Lost_Adobe"
Lost Adobe
Location at Mission Santa Cruz
The Lost Adobe is a location at Mission Santa Cruz in Santa Cruz, California. The stone foundations of an unidentified adobe on the east edge of Mission Hill in Santa Cruz was first discovered in 1978.[1][2] Prior to any excavations an extensive archival research program was carried out.[3] After no mention was found in the written record, the foundations were given the name the Lost Adobe. Archaeological excavations (from 1981 to 1984)[4] indicated the presence of 18+ rooms' structural foundations extending west toward the original church and cemetery. Artifacts found were a diverse collection of Spanish Mission Era/ Mexican Republic materials including glass beads, Majolica ceramic fragments and phoenix buttons.[5][6] These findings suggest that the structure was used to house the neophyte community of Yokuts and Ohlone families living at the Santa Cruz Mission in the 1820s and 1830s.[7] The "Lost Adobe" collapsed during the 19th century, and no remnants remain. The area is on private property and visitors are not allowed.