|
|
Throughout the mission period, a number of padres and civil administrators came from Spain and Mexico to serve the new colony in Alta (Upper) California. The story of the missions, however, is really about the Indians and the padres who lived and struggled in the creation of the California missions in Spain's effort to colonize Alta California.
The name most often associated with the establishment of the mission to convert the local Indians to Christianity and make colonization easier, is Father Junipero Serra. Although Father Serra had hoped to do missionary service in the New World, Spain's decision to use the padres was not only cost effective, as they needed little money, but they also would endure any hardship for the work of God. Spain's entry was also timed to preempt further expansion of the Russians and English and secure safe harbors for ships, as trade and sailing increased in the Pacific.
|
|
|
