The California Missions

• El Canimo Real traditionally refers to the 650 mile long trail that links the 21 missions, two pueblos and four presidios from San Diego to Sonoma.

• Between 1683 and 1834, Spanish missionaries established a series of religious outposts throughout the present-day State of California and the Baja Peninsula.

California Missions, 1769 - 1840

• California’s 21 Spanish missions make up some of the State’s richest historical landmarks.

• They stretch 650 miles along the El Camino Real (101 FWY.) from San Diego to San Francisco.

• These missions were begun in 1769 by Father Juniper Serra.

• The missions provided a safe heavens for people traveling through the untamed California in the early 19th century.

• The Missions also provides an exceptional insight into it’s Spanish heritage.

Mission San Diego de Alcala

• California’s 1st Mission on July 16, 1769.

• In the summer of 1776 the reconstruction of the mission began after an Indian attack of the previous year.

• Mission San Diego de Alcala was the only of the 21 Missions to be attacked by Native Americans.

• The earthquakes of the early 1800’s destroyed most of the mission.

• By the 1920’s the campanario and the baptistry were the only walls that remained standing.

Mission San Francisco de Asis

• The sixth California Mission built in October 9, 1776.

• Known locally as Mission Dolores is the oldest intact building in San Francisco.

• The Gold Rush caused this small town to be know to the rest of the Nation.

Mission San Fernando Rey de España

• This Mission was founded on September 8, 1797 and it ‘s the 17th mission in order.

• Mission San Fernando was the fourth mission founded in three months by Father Lasuén to close the gap in El Camino Real .

• It became a popular stop for travelers.

• It became known as the famous “long building” of El Camino Real.

• The 1812 earthquake and the digging for gold nearly caused much of the mission to fall into disrepair.

• The very long convento wing which was used as a rest home during Spanish times is now a museum.

• San Fernando Mission became a church again in 1923.

Mission San Juan Capistrano

• Mission San Juan Capistrano was founded by Father Juniper Serra in 1776.

• It is the seventh mission.

• Referred to as “The Jewel of the Missions”.

• The construction of the mission was delayed because of the attacks in San Diego, which caused the death of a priest.

• The most famous feature of the mission are the swallows who return every year in March.

• After only six years an earthquake destroyed the church and the bell tower.

Mission Santa Barbara • Mission Santa Barbara was the 10th mission in

the California mission chain in 1784.

• This mission was constructed after Father Serra’s death.

• It is known as “The Queen of Missions.”

• It sits high on a hill overlooking the city and the Pacific Ocean.

• During the first few years, there were a total of three churches built, each larger than the previous one.

• The only California Mission with two similar towers (87 ft. tall).

• The appearance of the inside of the church as not changed since 1820.

Mission La PurisimaConcepcion

• Mission La Purisima was founded on December 8, 1787 the 11th in order.

• The mission is named for The Immaculate Concepcion of Mary the Most Pure.

• The current mission is a restoration of portions of the 1812 earthquake.

• It is a State Historical Park and is one of the most complete and authentic restorations of any of the California Missions.

• The church and its cemetery yard have been kept its original color.

• The Chumash Indians roamed this lands.

Mission San Gabriel Arcangel

• Mission San Gabriel was founded in 1771, only two years after the discovery of San Gabriel Valley.

• The fourth in California.

• After the rule of California passed from Spain to Mexico, the Mexican government in 1883 secularized the mission lands and awarded them to individuals.

• The Mission was built of cut stone, brick and mortar.

• Located along the well-traveled trails by travelers from Mexico to Alto California.

• Later connecting the eastern United States with the west coast.

• Architectually, it unique among the California Missions.

• It produced more wheat than any other mission as well as large crops of corn and beans.