Spanish Missions

Spanish explorers who discovered that North America contained great natural resources wanted to ensure that these resources would be claimed for the Spanish empire. In order to accomplish this end the Spanish government formed a partnership with Catholic Franciscan priests. From 1573 to 1823, these priests established hundreds of religious communities known as missions. Although missions were established in many states, the most famous were the 21 Spanish Missions that ran along the California coast, from San Diego to San Francisco. This road became known as California's first highway.