Spanish Missions

Missions Overview

The Spanish built the missions in their conquest to convert the indigenous peoples to Christianity and as strongholds for their newly claimed territories. Between 1769 and 1823, twenty-one missions were built along the 'King's Highway', which is now highway 101 in the northern & central state and interstate 5 in the south. These missions remain the oldest structures in California. Most of the missions are still active churches and have museums and gift shops. They have all suffered earthquake or fire damage and very few have been left in a damaged state.

Missions Chronological Order
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