Spanish Missions in Florida

Spanish Missions in Florida were religious and military settlements established by Spanish missionaries in the 17th and 18th centuries. Their goal was to convert and incorporate Native American populations into Spanish colonial society, often providing religious training, education, and protection. These missions served as centers for spreading Christianity and Spanish culture, while also helping Spain maintain territorial claims in the region. Over time, many missions declined or were abandoned due to changing political circumstances, conflicts, and pressures from other European powers. Today, they are important historical sites that offer insight into Florida’s colonial past and interactions between Europeans and Indigenous peoples.