The Spanish Missions of California are a series of 21 religious and military outposts that were established by Spanish Catholic priests during the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Led by Father Junipero Serra, these missions were the foundation of the Spanish colonization of California and the roots of the state's Catholic culture. The missions were built to convert local Native Americans to Christianity and teach them farming, crafting, and other skills while protecting them from external threats. Today, the missions are still standing and serve as a testament to California's unique and vibrant history.
