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The Mass Grave at My Old Catholic School

The Carmel Mission, formally known as Mission San Carlos Borromeo del Río Carmelo, is a historic Spanish mission located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, California. It holds deep historical and cultural significance as one of the missions established by Father Junípero Serra in the late 18th century during Spain’s colonization of California. While it is celebrated for its architecture and religious importance, the site also carries a darker legacy tied to its role in the Spanish mission system.


One lesser-known fact is the presence of a mass grave at the Carmel Mission, which serves as a burial site for many Native Americans who lived and worked at the mission. These Indigenous individuals were part of the mission’s forced labor system, wherein they were converted to Christianity and compelled to live under the strict rules of the mission. The grave is a stark reminder of the suffering endured by Native peoples during this period, including disease, exploitation, and cultural erasure.


The burial records at the Carmel Mission indicate the deaths of thousands of Native Americans, many of whom succumbed to European-introduced diseases such as smallpox and measles. The exact number of those buried in the mass grave remains unclear, but it reflects the high mortality rate and the devastating impact of colonization on California’s Indigenous populations.


Today, the mission is a cultural and historical landmark that acknowledges its complex history. While it is a site of religious pilgrimage and community events, efforts have also been made to recognize and honor the Native American communities whose lives were deeply affected by the mission system. This includes integrating educational initiatives and memorials to foster awareness about this aspect of California’s history.

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