Spanish Missions in California

Spanish Missions in California were a series of religious outposts established by Spanish missionaries between the 18th and early 19th centuries. Their main goal was to convert Native Americans to Christianity and promote Spanish culture. There were 21 missions, each serving as a center for agriculture, education, and religious instruction. These missions played a crucial role in the colonization of California, influencing its culture and demographics. Many of California's cities, like San Diego and San Francisco, grew around these missions, which are now important historical sites reflecting the complex interactions between different cultures during that time.