Why the Missions Were
Built and Where
The Creation of the Missions
The
California Missions are as important to
California as the pyramids are to Egypt and the castles are to
Europe. The history of the state of California is richly
dependant on the missions. This missions were a way for Christianity to
be spread throughout the coast and taught to the indians as a manner of
civilizing the natives.
"The Mission
chain started in 1769
by Father Junipero Serra under the direction King Charles III from
Spain. King Charles wanted to establish permanent settlements in Alta
California to keep control of the land as other people and countries
were beginning to come to the area. The settled land was to become part
of the Spanish territory. The missions were built near the coast to
establish towns, and to be able to trade with ships and people coming
to the area. The missions are only one day's walk from each other. The
entire span of missions along the El Camino Real is 650 miles. The
missions were similar in appearance with each having a quadrangle where
the shops and rooms were, a church and a bell tower. The church was
built to be as tall as the highest tree in the area so that it could be
easily seen from a great
distance."(http://www.cuca.k12.ca.us/lessons/missions/history/generalhistory.html#founding)
Acknowledgements:
List additional citations or web addresses for all graphics and/or
information used on this page.
California Missions- Thanks for
the use of the great map.
California Mission Studies
Association
Map of
Missions- Animated map above.
California
Missions On-line Project
The Spanish Missions of
California- Think Quest answers many questions.
California
Missions- Includes Chronology of events from the creation of the
missions, 1713-2000.
Misison
History
