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.