Camp-California

Much of California's history began with the Spanish Missions. The chain of 21 missions along California's El Camino Real ("The Royal Highway") represent the first arrival of non-Native Americans to California.

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: