San Francisco Missions

San Francisco 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.

San Francisco Missions
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San Francisco Solano is located off Highway 12 in the Sonoma State Historic Park in Sonoma. Founded by Padre Jose Altimira on July 4, 1823 without the knowledge of his superiors, he intended to replace the Dolores mission in San Francisco. It never did replace the Dolores mission. Padre Altimira's cruelty to the native indians created a revolt and eventually drove him back to Spain. San Francisco Solano is the 21st and last mission that was built in California. It is no longer an active church.

Mission San Francisco Solano
114 East Spain Street
Sonoma, CA 95476
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San Francisco de Asís also known as "Mission Dolores" is located off Highway 101 in the heart of San Francisco. Founded on June 26, 1776 by Padre Francisco Palóu, it is the sixth California mission. The mission survived the great earthquake of 1906 and today is the oldest building in San Francisco.

Mission San Francisco de Asís
3321 16th Street
San Francisco, CA 94114
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San Rafael, Arcángel is located off Highway 101 in San Rafael. Founded on December 14, 1817 by Padre Vincente de Sarría, it is the twentieth California mission. Originally founded as an asistencia to mission Dolores, it was raised to mission status in 1822 due to its thriving community.

Mission San Rafael, Arcángel
1104 Fifth Avenue
San Rafael, CA 94901
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San José is located off the 680 freeway in Mission San Juan district of Fremont. Founded on June 11, 1797 by Padre Fermin Lasuén, it is the fourteenth California mission. .

Mission San José
43300 Mission Boulevard
Fremont, CA 94539
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Santa Clara de Asís is located off the 880 freeway in the heart of Santa Clara. Founded on January 12, 1777 by Padre Tomás de la Peña, it is the eight California mission.

Mission Santa Clara de Asís
500 El Camino Real
Santa Clara, CA 95053
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Missions Chronological Order
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Missions by Region
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