California Missions

missions, California, United States

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June 22, 2026

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The California missions were established by Spanish Franciscans and soldiers between 1769 and 1823 along the coast of what is now California. The primary goals were to spread Roman Catholicism and create a loyal, taxpaying citizenry for New Spain.1

These missions taught Native American groups, including the Diegueño, Luiseño, Chumash, and Costanoan, basic Spanish language, Christian doctrine, and crafts, while also utilizing their labor for farming and tending livestock. Many Native Americans converted, but many also died from European diseases to which they had no immunity.12

When Mexico ended the missions' authority in 1834, many Native Americans were left without promised rights or property, often exploited by speculators. Despite these hardships, some Mission Indian descendants became prosperous in the 20th century.13

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California
Settlement
…and sea expeditions from Baja California, and the Franciscan friar Junípero Serra established the first mission at San Diego. Gaspar de Portolá set up a military outpost in 1770 at Monterey. Colonization began after 1773 with the opening of an overland supply route across the southwestern deserts that was intended…
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…and sea expeditions from Baja California, and the Franciscan friar Junípero Serra established the first mission at San Diego. Gaspar de Portolá set up a military outpost in 1770 at Monterey. Colonization began after 1773 with the opening of an overland supply route across the southwestern deserts that was intended…
Read More

Mission Indians
…Franciscans and soldiers established 21 missions between 1769 and 1823. The major groups were, from south to north, the Diegueño, Luiseño and Juaneño, Gabrielino, Chumash, and Costanoan.
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…Franciscans and soldiers established 21 missions between 1769 and 1823. The major groups were, from south to north, the Diegueño, Luiseño and Juaneño, Gabrielino, Chumash, and Costanoan.
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Roman Catholicism
Spanish and French missions in North America
…that would stretch up the California coast. Spanish missionary efforts came to an end in the early 19th century, and their record was one of mixed success at best. The missionaries in North America never received the full support of the Spanish government as had their counterparts in the south,…
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…that would stretch up the California coast. Spanish missionary efforts came to an end in the early 19th century, and their record was one of mixed success at best. The missionaries in North America never received the full support of the Spanish government as had their counterparts in the south,…
Read More