As we celebrate the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence this Fourth of July, communities across the nation will reflect upon their connection to the birth of the United States. You may not realize that Santa Barbara has a remarkable story of its own to tell. Long before California became part of the United […]
David Bolton
David Bolton is executive director of the California Missions Foundation. His research focuses on California’s role in Spain’s support of the American Revolution, the Donativo Project, and the preservation of California’s mission and presidio heritage. In 2023, he served as El Presidente of Santa Barbara’s Old Spanish Days, and in 2019 he was knighted at the direction of Spain’s King Felipe VI as a Commander of the Royal Order of Isabel la Católica. The opinions expressed are his own.
