San Juan Capistrano was one of the centers of Spanish missionary work in early California.
In the 17th century, the nations of Europe began to explore North America, hoping to uncover greater resources, founded new colonies and even spread their religious beliefs among the natives. One of the religions introduced into the new world was Catholicism, the primary religion of the powerful French and Spanish nations. French influence was mostly limited to Canada, however, and Britain dominated the American East Coast. Therefore, it fell to the Spanish missions to spread Catholicism into early America.
Florida and Georgia
Florida, with its proximity to Spanish strength in Havana (in Cuba), became the capital of Spanish missionary influence. From the colony of St. Augustine in lower Florida, Spanish missionaries began to establish permanent missions as satellites to St. Augustine, with the first mission of San Pedro de Mocama founded in 1587 on Cumberland Island. At the time, the Florida territory extended all the way over to modern-day Georgia, as Spanish operations in that area eventually came to be run from the mission of Santa Catalina de Guale on St. Catherines Island.
Carolina
In an attempt to extend the Spanish influence in Florida farther North, admiral Pedro Menendez de Aviles estasblished the mission of Santa Elena in 1566 on Parris Island. Santa Elena had been intended as a new base of operations alongside St. Augustine farther South, and it was used as a springboard for the construction of new forts and outposts as far West as the Appalachians. Strong resistance by Native Americans forced the abandonment of the mission in 1587.
Louisiana
In a move towards Texas and California, Catholics established two missions in Louisiana in 1716: Nuestra Senora de los Dolores de los Ais in what is modern day San Augustine, Texas, and San Miguel de Linares de los Adaes, about 20 miles west of Natchitoches, Louisiana. Though de los Dolores remained relatively untroubled until its close in 1773, de los Adaes was attacked by French troops in 1719, prompting its closing for three years. Like de los Adaes, it closed permanently in 1773.
California and Texas
Having encountered natives who were very receptive to their Catholic message, the Spanish established far more missions in California and Texas than anywhere else. Though the Alamo in Texas received the most fame as a battleground during the Texas war for independence, other missions became strongholds, not only for missionary presence but also for military garrisons. Founded in 1769, the mission San Diego de Alcala was the first of a long line of Franciscan missions established along the California coast, including the important trade post at San Juan Capistrano.
Tags: California Texas, Juan Capistrano, mission Santa, Santa Elena, Spanish missionary