The document provides background information on the Spanish missions in California. It discusses how the missions were established by Franciscan missionaries to colonize the Pacific coast and convert Native Americans to Christianity, though they met resistance from many tribes. It also describes the typical layout of the missions, with churches, presidios (forts), and towns, and details some of the industries and way of life within the missions. Problems establishing the missions included a lack of Spanish resources, which led them to implement the mission system to build a new Spanish citizenry by introducing religion, language, and intermarriage to the indigenous population.

2. History California missions are religious outposts that were created by the Spanish Catholics of the Franciscan Order. The missions were established as a way for the Spanish to colonize the Pacific Coast. However, the missionaries were met with resistance by many of the Native American tribes and the tribes were not converted to Christianity and 'civilized' as the missionaries had hoped.

4. California Mission Order and Date Founded For virtual tour click here