California Missions
Life for the California Native Americans was forever changed. In addition to Christianity, the missions brought many other things to California such as livestock, fruits, flowers, grains and industry. This was also the start of the civilization in which we live today. Every one of the California missions tell a story about the history of California. All have been, to some extent, restored and can be visited today. They are listed here in North to South order. There are several sub-missions not included here:
California Mission: San Francisco Solano, Sonoma
Mission San Francisco Solano was founded 4 July 1823 (21st in order) by Padre Jose Altimira. The Mission is named for St. Francis Solano, missionary to the Peruvian Indians.
California Mission: San Francisco de Asis
Mission San Francisco de Asís was founded 29 June 1776 (6th in order) by Padre Francisco Palóu. The mission is named for Saint Francis of Assisi.
California Mission: San Rafael Arcangel
Mission San Rafael Arcángel was founded 14 December 1817 (20th in order) by Padre Vicente de Sarria. The mission is named for Saint Raphael the Archangel.
California Mission: San Jose
Mission San José was founded 11 June 1797 (14th in order) by Padre Fermin Francisco de Lasuén. The mission is named for Saint Joseph. The Indian name was Oroysom.
