Spanish Missions in California
The Spanish Missions in California were a series of religious outposts established by Spanish colonists during the 18th and early 19th centuries. Their primary purpose was to spread Christianity among the indigenous populations and to secure Spain's territorial claims in the region. A total of 21 missions were built, starting with Mission San Diego de Alcalá in 1769 and ending with Mission San Francisco Solano in 1823.
Each mission served as a center for agriculture, trade, and education, helping to shape the cultural landscape of California. The missions were often built near native villages and included churches, workshops, and living quarters. Today, many of these missions are preserved as historical sites, reflecting the complex history of California and its diverse communities.