A brief guide to the missions of California

Built between the years 1769 to 1833, the Spanish missions were built by Franciscan priests in their efforts to colonize and spread Christianity to the Pacific coast of North America. Since their foundation Missions of California have gone through a process of secularization and now remain as places of historical interest.

La Purisima

Founded in 1787, this mission suffered many structural damages over the centuries due to earthquakes and what exists now is an exact replica of the original building with accurately recreated furniture and interiors. It is now a state park and museum.

Soledad

This mission of California was the thirteenth one to be founded. Due to its isolated location, the mission fell into ruins with nothing except a wall still standing. Reconstruction of the place started in the 1950s.

San Antonio

The mission was dedicated to Saint Anthony of Padua, the patron saint of the poor and the priests there worked for the upliftment of the locals. Located in a beautiful valley, the mission makes for a memorable trip.

San Buenaventura

The San Buenaventura mission of California was the last to be founded by Father Junipero Serra before he died. The current city of Ventura developed from this mission. Currently, the place is an active parish and a school.

San Carlos

The foundation of the San Carlos mission led to the discovery of the Monterey Bay. However, after a few years the mission changed location to the Carmel Valley.

San Diego

The mission at San Diego was the first of the missions of California and has served as a military base for U.S. troops and most recently, one of the sections of land was handed over to the Native Americans and became the Santa Ysabel Indian Reservation.

San Francisco Solano

This was the last and northern most of the missions of California founded by the Franciscan priests. The California Landmarks League bought the mission and handed it over to the state of California were restoration. It has been a museum since 1922.

San Jose

The mission at San Jose fell in to ruins and was replaced by a wooden church in 1869. After an earthquake destroyed the construction, the site was reclaimed for the restoration of the original building.

San Fernando

Over years of secularization and neglect, the mission at San Fernando was into a hog and pig farm and used for warehouse purposes. The Catholic Church regained control of the mission in 1923 and rebuilt the structure.

San Gabriel

Dedicated by the priests to the archangel of God, Gabriel, this mission in California was an important link in the roadways. The mission was transferred to the Claretian Missionaries where there is now a school.

Santa Cruz

Located near the coast, the mission of Santa Cruz was surrounded by fertile land and forests. But due to damage caused by earthquakes, the place was rebuilt as a smaller replica of the original structure.

Oceanside Mission

One of the largest of all California Missions, also called King of the Missions. Established 1798. Today it is most beautiful retreat center in California. More at Old Mission official website.

The missions of California form a rich trail of history throughout the coast of the state that makes for a delightful visit. To learn more about their history and presence visit this link http://www.sanluisrey.org/museum/

Contact :

Contact Person: Maureen Sullivan

E-mail: info@sanluisrey.org

Old Mission San Luis Rey de Francia

Address: 4050 Mission Avenue, Oceanside, CA 92057-6402

Tel/Fax: (760) 757-3651

Website: http://www.sanluisrey.org/