The California Missions are a huge part of the state’s history. Between 1769 and 1823, the Spanish built 21 missions up and down the California coast, blending religion, agriculture, and culture in a way that forever changed the landscape.
These missions weren’t just about religion. They were part of a bigger plan by the Spanish to colonize California. The goal was to convert the Native Americans to Christianity and turn them into Spanish citizens, and the missions served as strategic outposts to make sure Spain kept its hold on the territory.
A California missions map is a great way to visualize where these missions were located and how they spread across the state. You can see how strategically they were placed. You can almost imagine the Spanish Empire’s plan coming to life!
This article is all about exploring the history, the impact, and the individual stories of each of the California Missions, all within a geographical context. We’ll use a California map with missions marked to show you exactly where they were and how they fit into the bigger picture.
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