The Franciscan Missions refer to a series of religious outposts established by the Franciscan Order, a Catholic religious group founded by Saint Francis of Assisi. These missions aimed to spread Christianity among Indigenous peoples in the Americas, particularly in regions like California and the Southwest. The Franciscans focused on education, agriculture, and the establishment of communities. The missions often included churches, schools, and workshops, serving as centers for both spiritual and economic development. Many of these missions, such as Mission San Diego de Alcalá and Mission San Juan Capistrano, played a significant role in the cultural exchange between European settlers and Native Americans.