This tiny chapel, measuring 18 by 27 feet and located in a valley in the center of the island, was erected in 1891. The Caire family owned much of Santa Cruz Island from 1869 to 1937. Their principal activity was ranching. Today this chapel is part of the remaining complex of ranch buildings. It was built under the direction of Justinian Caire, of French descent. Members of the Caire family are buried here. The property is now owned and administered by The Nature Conservancy and the Santa Cruz Island Foundation.
The bricks of this chapel, made of island clay, were baked by a Frenchman, while the stone was carved by an Italian stonemason and the wrought island altar rail was forged by a Sicilian blacksmith. The style of the church recalls prototypes that can be found in the French Alps. An annual mass and gathering of Friends of the Holy Cross Chapel occurs around May 1st.
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