History of the Missions
After Vizcaino's voyage in 1601, Spain lost interest in California for about 160 years. But, Spain found out that Russians were making money by selling otter skins. So Spain worried that Russia and the British were going to take over California. The Spanish really didn't want that to happen. Because of that, Jose de Galvez thought of the idea of missions. The purpose of missions was for Spain to conquer land in California, get rid of the lack of food, and to Christianize the Native Americans. Galvez sent Fr. Junipero Serra to build the missions and Pueblos. He also sent Gaspar de Portola to build the Presidios. A Pueblo is a small farm to prevent starvation. A Presidio is a small fort where soldiers would live. After Junipero Serra died, Fermin Lasuen built the next nine missions. After Lasuen died, three random guys named Fr. Estevan Tapis, Vincente de Sarria, and Jose Atimira built the next three missions.
The first mission built was Mission San Diego. The road connecting all the missions is called El Camino Real. If you drive on it, you will see a sign that says "Historic Route: El Camino Real". You will also see a bell. El Camino Real means The Royal Road, or The King of Highways. Also, each mission was a day's walk apart.
The first mission built was Mission San Diego. The road connecting all the missions is called El Camino Real. If you drive on it, you will see a sign that says "Historic Route: El Camino Real". You will also see a bell. El Camino Real means The Royal Road, or The King of Highways. Also, each mission was a day's walk apart.