Who lived at Santa Barbara?

Answer 1

Mission Santa Barbara was built as a Spanish Colonial outpost. At the time it was established residency at the Mission was reserved for Franciscan Friars (fathers and brothers) and indigenous converts (who were primarily, although not exclusively Chumash Indians). There was, for a short time, a barracks where Spanish soldiers were housed, although that was not technically part of the Mission itself, but rather in an outbuilding.

It was common for visitors travelling the state to attempt to spend the night at the Missions, however, as Santa Barbara does have a presidio (fort) as well, many travellers may have chosen to stay there instead. Craftspeople also stayed at the Mission while they were working onsite.

After secularization Mission Santa Barbara continued to be operated by the Church, clergy have lived there since the Mission was established. The Mission is home today to multiple members of the Order of Friars Minor (Franciscans)