Discoveries America National Parks, California Missions - DVD

Twenty-one missions were established in Alta California, over a route of nearly 600 miles, creating the northernmost section of California's El Camino Real. From San Diego to Sonoma, these missions established a foothold in California for the Spanish Crown, introducing a new culture, spreading European religion, agricultural practices, and eventually forms of government. Beginning in 1769 Spanish Franciscan missionaries led by Father, now Saint, Jun�pero Serra began establishing missions, the first of which was San Diego de Alcal�. Today, most of the California missions are still active parish churches and welcome visitors to appreciate mission architecture, cultural treasures, historic museums, and rediscover the origins of modern California. �