Ventura (San Buenaventura), California, flourishes in a prime agricultural area. The Ventura County community is one of the oldest settlements in the nation not originally inhabited by Native Americans. The site of was first established as the San Buenaventura Mission in 1782. Settled by the Spanish missionary, JunÃpero Serra, it was chosen for the prime location on the Santa Barbara Channel, a bend of water leading to the Pacific Ocean. The region is home to numerous crops that feed the nation, and Ventura is a large exporter of those crops. The city is home to a variety of industries, including retail trade and manufacturing centers. In addition, Ventura is the home of such visitor attractions as the mission, Ventura County Museum of History and Art, housing Native-American, Spanish, and U.S.-pioneer artifacts; and Island Packer Cruises.