Los Angeles Missions

Los Angeles 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.

Los Angeles Missions
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San Gabriel, Arcángel is located north of the 10 freeway in San Gabriel. On the birthday of Mary, September 8, 1771, Frs. Pedro Cambón and Joseph de la Somera founded the San Gabriel Mission. This is the fourth mission in California. Grounds include a small cemetery and vats for fermenting wine, tanning hides and candle making. It was known as 'The Pride of the Missions' for its trade of large crops, cattle hides and wine. At one time this mission supplied candles to most of the other missions and was the largest winery in California.

Mission San Gabriel, Arcángel
428 South Mission Drive
San Gabriel, CA 91776
Map  |   Accommodations  |   Website  |   Other Ideas

San Fernando, Rey de España is located between the 5, 405 and 118 freeways in Mission Hills. This is the seventeenth California mission and was founded by Padre Fermin Lasuén on September 8, 1797.

Mission San Fernando, Rey de España
15151 San Fernando Mission Road
Mission Hills, CA 91345
Map  |   Accommodations  |   No Website  |   Other Ideas

Missions Chronological Order
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Missions by Region
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