031: How did the California Missions End?
Episode 16 of the California Frontier podcast, hosted by Damian Bacich, Ph.D., titled "031: How did the California Missions End?" was published on March 26, 2024 and runs 15 minutes.
March 26, 2024 ·15m · California Frontier
Summary
The California missions ended after Mexico became independent of Spain. The newly independent Mexican government eventually passed laws that called for an end to the mission system through “secularization.” The laws mandated the missions to be turned over to the Native American converts and converted into secular towns, with the land divided among Indian families. However, much of the mission lands and property ended up being granted to Spanish/Mexican settlers instead of the Native Am...
Episode Description
The California missions ended after Mexico became independent of Spain. The newly independent Mexican government eventually passed laws that called for an end to the mission system through “secularization.”
The laws mandated the missions to be turned over to the Native American converts and converted into secular towns, with the land divided among Indian families. However, much of the mission lands and property ended up being granted to Spanish/Mexican settlers instead of the Native Americans.
By the late 1830s, all 21 California missions had been secularized. Most missions fell into ruin until a movement in the late 19th/early 20th centuries raised funds to restore and preserve them as tourist attractions. After California became part of the U.S., the mission churches were returned to the Catholic Church by Presidents Buchanan and Lincoln. The restored missions along Highway 101 (El Camino Real) drew visitors from around the world, allowing people to experience their history and beauty.
Give a one-time donation
Learn more about the California Frontier Project:
Contact:
[email protected]
Similar Episodes
Apr 7, 2026 ·31m
Mar 17, 2026 ·39m
Mar 3, 2026 ·40m
Feb 25, 2026 ·64m
Feb 19, 2026 ·61m