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The Spanish missions in California comprise a series of religious outposts established by SpanishCatholics of the Franciscan Order between 1769 and 1823 to spread the Catholic faith among the local Native Americans. The missions represented the first major effort by Europeans to colonize the Pacific Coast region, and gave Spain a valuable toehold in the frontier land. The settlers introduced European livestock, fruits, vegetables, and industry into the California region. Today, the missions are among the state's oldest structures and the most-visited historic monuments. Soon we'll have links to all 21 Historic California Missions - as well as some information right here! Please check back as we build this section dedicated to these significant treasures.
Mission San Luis Rey de Francia, circa 1910.
Photograph by William Amos Haines.
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