San Miguel Arcangel The 16th mission, San Miguel Arcangel was founded by Fathers Lasuen and Buenaventura Sitjar as a resting area between San Luis Obispo and San Antonio de Padua missions for weary travelers. Even after secularization in 1834, the mission would become a popular stopover during the Gold Rush. It is the only mission with original untouched artwork.

San Fernando Rey de Espana   Mission San Fernando was the 17th mission, founded on September 8, 1797 to close the gap between San Gabriel and San Buenaventura missions.  It became a popular stopover for travelers into Los Angeles and had a thriving hide, tallow and leather trade.  Suffering the worst neglect, the mission was even used as a hog farm before the Landmarks Club began restoration.

San Luis Rey de Francia  Mission San Luis Rey was 18th in the chain of missions and was founded June 13, 1798, by Father Fermin.  Known as the "King of the Missions", is it the largest and most extensive of all the missions.  Its architecture, irrigation system and loyal Indian population are due to the zeal and industry of one padre.

Santa Ines Mission Santa Ines was the 19th mission, founded September 17, 1804, by Father Estevan Tapis.  It was founded to convert the Indians in its remote section, but soldier's cruelty would lead to the 1824 Indian Revolt.  It was never abandoned after secularization and is the site of the College of Our Lady of Refuge.  The long efforts of restoration by Rev. Buckler and his niece has created one of the finest museum collections.

San Rafael Arcangel Mission San Rafael was the 20th mission and was founded by Father Vicente de Sarria.  It was built initially as a hospice for the ailing Indians of Mission Dolores.  Eventually it became a mission in its own right on October 19, 1822.  It became an important stopover for Spain's control of the northern territories.  It was the first mission to be secularized.

San Francisco Solano  Mission Solano was the 21st and the last of the missions.  Founded contentiously on July 4, 1823 by Father Jose Altimira, who thwarted church authority in obtaining permission to begin this mission.  Designed as a further deterrent to Russian expansion, it suffered under cruel administration and had only a brief period of prosperity and success.  It is now the Sonoma Mission State