California Mission Maps: Exploring the Past
Between 1769 and 1823, Spanish settlers established 21 missions in California. These missions were critical to the early settlement and development of the state. They were designed to be self-sufficient, combining religious instruction with agricultural production.
This article explores the history of the California Missions, focusing on the significance of maps and geographical context. We’ll look at the location of each mission, when it was founded, and its historical importance.
The missions were connected by El Camino Real, or “The Royal Road,” which stretched from Mission San Diego de Alcalá in the south to Mission San Francisco Solano in the north. Understanding the geography of El Camino Real is key to understanding how the missions functioned and how they shaped the landscape of California.
By exploring these California mission maps, we can gain a deeper appreciation for the history and geography of this important part of California’s past.
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