The "Mission Era" refers to a period in the history of the Americas, particularly in California, when Spanish missionaries established a series of religious outposts known as missions. This era began in the late 18th century and continued into the early 19th century, with the primary goal of converting Indigenous peoples to Christianity and integrating them into Spanish colonial society. During this time, a total of 21 missions were founded, each serving as a center for religious, agricultural, and cultural activities. The most famous of these is Mission San Diego de Alcalá, the first mission established in 1769. The Mission Era significantly influenced the development of California's culture, economy, and demographics.