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Mission San Diego
In 1769 a small group of Franciscan priests came to California to build a chain of missions. These frontier communities were designed to transform native peoples into Christians and citizens of the Spanish Crown. During the next 66 years the missionaries created 21 settlements in the name of God and the King of Spain. The first of these outposts was built at
San Diego. Despite incredible challenges, this mission became one of the most important settlements in this remote region. Find out what happened when the people of the Old World
encountered the Native Americans.
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Mission San Gabriel
Mission San Gabriel, founded in 1771, was the fourth establishment created in the far-off province. It was designed to introduce Christianity and other aspects of a European way of life to the Tongva Indian people. The first few years of the mission’s history were filled with fighting and bloodshed. Find out how the
missionaries and Indians worked together to overcome their differences and create an amazing success story. |
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Mission San Juan Capistrano
The 7th mission, founded in 1776 by Fr. Serra,was said to have been a magnificent structure built by an expert Mexican stonemason and hundreds of Indians over the course of nearly 10 years. Six years after its completion the great earthquake of 1812 collapsed the domed roof and many of the congregation perished. You can still walk among the mellowed ruins.
The chapel that was first built (named "Father Serra's Church") is considered the oldest church in California, and is still in use today! |
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Mission San Fernando Rey de Espana
In the summer of 1797 Father Lasuen founded this mission and named it for the King of Spain. This closed the gap between San Buenaventura on the coast and San Gabriel in the interior. The presence of four springs that flowed around the site permitted much agricultural development, and the congenial Indians that lived nearby helped with the rapid construction of the chapels, granary, storerooms and weaving rooms that allowed the mission to mushroom and prosper. Soon there were thousands of converts here and that population held for nearly 20 years. There are fascinating things to be seen in and around this historical site. Join us as we discover what's to be found! |
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