How did Santa Barbra get its name?

Answer 1

The first permanent European residents in the region were Spanish missionaries and soldiers sent by the Spanish crown both to fortify the region against expansion by other powers such as England and Russia, and to convert the natives to Christianity. Many of these Spanish brought their families with them, and those formed the nucleus of the small town - at first just a cluster of adobe houses. The town took its name on December 4, 1786, when it was the feast day of Saint Barbara.

Answer 2

After Saint Barbara (born approx. 1438). She is the patron saint of artillerymen, military engineers, miners and workers who handle explosives.