Santa Barbara Mission was founded December 4, 1786. Portions of five units of its extensive waterworks, built by Indian labor, are preserved in this park - a filter house, Spanish gristmill, sections of aqueducts, and two reservoirs. The larger reservoir, built in 1806, is used today as part of the city water system. Ruins of the pottery kiln and tanning vats are here, also. The fountain and lavadero are nearby, in front of the old mission. A dam, built in 1807, is located in the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden, one and one-half miles up Mission Canyon.

California Registered Historical Landmark No. 309

Plaque placed by California State Park Commission.
April 21, 1957.