The Mission of San Xavier del Bac, generally conceded to be the greatest
of all the old Spanish missions and the finest example of pure mission
architecture in the United States, has enjoyed a variable and
fascinating development through nearly two and a half centuries. This
descriptive and historical guide to the mission is designed to enable
native Arizonans and tourists the more appreciably to enjoy San Xavier’s
great beauty and significance.
Acknowledgment is due to Dr. Herbert Eugene Bolton, Chairman, Department
of History and Director of the Bancroft Library, University of
California, for his helpful suggestions in connection with the history
of the mission. Dr. Rufus Kay Wyllys, Head, Department of Social
Science, Arizona State Teachers College at Tempe, was also very helpful
in this respect. As to the architectural descriptions, the authority of
Prent Duell, in his publication “Mission Architecture, Exemplified in
San Xavier del Bac” was generously employed.
The Editors.