Father Junipero Serra

Father Junípero Serra (1713-1784) was a Spanish Franciscan missionary known for founding a chain of missions in California, which were established between 1769 and 1833. His efforts were aimed at spreading Christianity and converting Native Americans to Catholicism. Serra played a crucial role in the establishment of California’s first nine missions, which helped shape the state's cultural and religious landscape. While he is celebrated for his contributions to California's history, his legacy is also controversial due to the impact of colonization on Indigenous peoples, leading to ongoing discussions about his role in that history.