The California Missions

1
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.

2
California Missions, 1769 - 1840

• Californias 21 Spanish missions make up some of
  the States 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 its Spanish heritage.

3
Mission San Diego de Alcala

• Californias 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 1800s destroyed
  most of the mission.
• By the 1920s the campanario and the baptistry
  were the only walls that remained standing.

4
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.

5
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.

6
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.

7
Mission Santa Barbara

• Mission Santa Barbara was the 10th mission in the
  California mission chain in 1784.
• This mission was constructed after Father Serras
  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.

8
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.

9
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.