The Missions of California

The California Missions were a series of religious and military outposts established by Spanish missionaries and settlers between 1769 and 1833. Their primary missions were to convert Native Americans to Christianity, expand Spanish territorial claims, and develop agriculture and trade in the region. Each mission functioned as a community that included churches, farms, and workshops, fostering local economies. While they aimed to spread religious beliefs, they also significantly impacted Native cultures through cultural exchange, assimilation efforts, and often harsh treatment. Today, the missions are historical sites that offer insight into California’s early history and multicultural heritage.