Mission System in California

Studies Weekly - Week 11 - The Mission System

by Kristina Evensen

Lesson - Remember this!

Father ​Serra was a Catholic leader in Baja, California. He was in charge of all the missions in Baja. He called the job of converting all Native Americans to Christianity a "Sacred Expedition." Mission San Carlos Borromeo de Carmelo is located in Carmel, California. Founded in 1770 by Father Serra, it was used as an HQ for administrative duties. Unfortunately, Father Serra died before it was built. Mission San Juan Capistrano was completed in 1776 and is the seventh mission founded by Father Serra. By 1806, more than 1,000 people lived in this mission and a large herd of cattle grazed in its meadows. The legend of the swallows, from this mission, explains how they came to nest in the mission each year. There is a celebration each year to welcome the swallows. It consists of concerts, dancing, school performances, and a special ringing of the historic bells. Mission San Francisco Solano was founded in 1823 and is located in Sonoma. This mission was the last mission to be built in California. It only lasted around 11 years, but farmers grew grain, fruits, and vegetables successfully during that time. Sheep, goat, horses, mules, pigs, and cattle were raised in this mission. The 1846 Bear Flag result hoped to make California independent. They met in barracks right next to the mission to discuss plans. This revolt led to the downfall of the Spanish mission system.​ Mission San Diego de Alcala was one of the first missions. It is located in San Diego and was founded by Father Junipero Serra. In the 1820s, roughly 1,800 people lived there and more than 30,000 animals lived. It was abandoned in 1834 because the administration of the mission was taken over by the Mexican Govenment. By 1920, the buildings and walls were gone, but they were recreated.

Multiple Choice

Why did the Spanish come back to California after 150 years?

• Others were going to the land

• Other countries were going and claiming land, and the Spanish wanted the land to themselves.

• It was being burned

• Natives were gone there, and that was their chance

Multiple Choice

Who was Father Serra?

• A priest

• A Spanish priest

• A person

• A cook on the journey

Fill in the Blanks

Mission San Juan Capistrano is known for its legend of the

Multiple Choice

Which mission was founded in 1823 in Sonoma?

• Mission San Francisco Solano

• Mission San Carlos Borremeo de Carmelo

• Mission San Juan Capistrano

• San Rafael Arcángel

Multiple Choice

Mission San Diego de Alcala was founded in which year?

• 1769

• 1776

• 1593

• 1922

• 1823

Multiple Choice

Who were the Franciscans?

• people

• the Franciscans

• friars that followed St. Francis of Assisi

• Mexicans that built missions

• Spanish surfer dudes

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