Early California Missions

In the spring of 1769 a party of soldiers and settlers under Don Gaspar de Portola began a journey from Lower to Upper California.  Accompanying the expedition were a group of Franciscan monks led by Father Junipero  Serra. (The Jesuits were expelled by King Charles III of Spain in 1767 from Lower California)

After a tough six week journey the party reached present day San Diego and built a mission, San Diego de Alcala.  Early in 1770 Portola and Father Serra founded the mission of San Carlos Barromeo in Monterey.  Here Father Serra spent the remainder of his life until 1784, directing the establishment of religious communities. 

The Indians of the region were hunter gatherers and with the promise of safety and food, thousands came to the missions.  By 1821 there were 21 such missions which were staffed with detachments of soldiers for military protection.

With minimum money and manpower Spain had gained a foothold in California country but could she maintain her presence?  By 1820 the Spanish speaking population in the Southwest was less than 50,000.  The settlers felt less loyalty to Madrid because  of isolation and careless attitude of the Spanish authorities.  They became known as "New Mexicans."  Old Mexico overthrew Madrid rule in Mexico in 1821.  The "New Mexicans" didn't seem to care one way or another by that time.  They were a new breed who would eventually become Americans.

Next time...A day in Mission San Jose
_______________________________
On this Day in Pioneer History: On June 16, 1884,  the first roller coaster in America opens at Coney Island, in Brooklyn, New York. Known as a switchback railway, it was the brainchild of LaMarcus Thompson, traveled approximately six miles per hour and cost a nickel to ride.