I’m taking a deep breath before I start writing this one because the history of the California missions is a potential minefield.  Depending on the perspective, it was either one of the worst ideas/expeditions to happen to the state or a beneficial one.  Again….perspective.  I’ll try and stay neutral, but I make zero guarantees.

The Basics

• 21 missions located between San Diego in the Southern part of the state to Sonoma in the Northern part.  They roughly follow the 101 freeway.
• Spain financed the expedition, which led to calling the trail, El Camino Real (the royal road).  You’ll see mission bells on some parts of the trail.
• The first one in San Diego was founded in 1769
• The why: to colonize the territory and “convert” the native inhabitants

Speaking strictly on looks and location, the padres chose some prime real estate.  We’re talking San Diego, Santa Barbara, Carmel, San Francisco and Sonoma.  I’m only naming the ones in cities non-native Californians might recognize.  The others are on great land and the buildings are impressive too.

My California Missions Adventure

I think my brother and I were bored one summer when we were in our twenties and we took a road trip to hit all the California missions and whatever else along the way.  We hit the local ones like San Fernando and San Gabriel first.  I guess the missions were never considered as field trips when we were kids in school.  I vaguely remember learning about them, but nothing much.  So our road trip was exploring something new to us.

At all of them, you hear/read about how the benevolent padres were there to save souls and live a peaceful existence.  But what gets glossed over is the theft of land, the complete disregard for native culture and religion and the lack of respect for native peoples.

I’ll stop there.  And I’ve decided I’m not going to edit the previous paragraph.  I’ll give you insights on the missions themselves, where they are and what gives them a reason for you to visit next.  We’ll leave the founders out of it.

May the road rise to meet you and the wind be at your back,

Jae