Junípero Serra

Junípero Serra was a Spanish Franciscan friar and missionary who played a key role in establishing the first nine of California's 21 Spanish missions in the 1700s. His efforts aimed to convert Native Americans to Christianity and integrate them into Spanish colonial life. While he is praised for his dedication and influence in shaping California’s history, his legacy is also controversial due to the impact of mission systems on Native populations, including forced labor and cultural disruption. Serra’s work reflects the complex history of colonization, involving both religious devotion and the exploitation of indigenous peoples.