The California Missions
The California Missions represented the final expansion of the Spanish Empire. From 1769 to 1823, Spanish soldiers and monks built a total of 21 Missions and 4 Presidios (or military forts), stretching North from Mexico, along the Pacific coast, through the territory that was then known as Alta California. Over a short period – little more than 50 years – the Spanish brought a new culture to California, spreading European religion, agricultural practices, and eventually forms of government.
The settlements around the missions became the seeds of modern California’s major cities. The trail connecting the missions, El Camino Real, became California’s first “highway,” and its route is closely followed by modern US Highway 101. The designs of the missions still influence California architecture. In a very real sense, California as we know it today would not exist without the foundation of the missions.
The California Missions Today
Today, all 21 of the mission sites can be visited, and most are still in use as churches. Unfortunately, many of the missions are in serious need of repair. However, a few have been restored or entirely rebuilt, and one is a California State historical park. Regardless of their current role or state of repair, a visit to a California mission provides a fascinating look into California’s early history.
The California Mission Guide
The goal of this website, and the companion book, is to provide resources for anyone who’d like to learn about or visit the Spanish Missions in California. The information on the website is thoroughly researched using authoritative sources and scholarly publications.
If you’re new to the California Missions, start with The California Mission Story.
About the Author:
Robert Nicholson teaches classes in the Computer Science, Computer Engineering, and Applied Data Science departments at San Jose State University. He is an amateur historian with a deep interest in the Spanish mission system. He is a member of the California Missions Foundation, and the California Mission Walkers.
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More Spanish Missions in North America
The California missions were not unique… Spain built missions throughout Mexico and the southwest to convert the indigenous people to Christianity and to consolidate their hold on territory.
Read about the Spanish Missions in Texas.
The California Missions Book
Get your copy of the California Mission Guide book in paperback or Kindle format.
The California Mission Guide is designed as an accessible and engaging companion for travelers and history enthusiasts alike. It’s not a dense historical tome, but a concise, easy-to-read guide that highlights the essential stories, architecture, and unique aspects of each mission, and well as background and history on the California mission system.
Packed with practical insights, historical context, and must-know details, this guidebook is your perfect travel companion as you journey through California’s rich mission heritage. Whether you’re planning to visit in person or explore from home, the California Mission Guide brings history to life in an informative and enjoyable way.
