Book DescriptionCalifornia's 21 missions are moving historical reminders of the first non-Native American forays onto the American Pacific Coast. From 1769 to 1823, Jesuit and Franciscan missionaries founded missions from San Diego to Sonoma, all of which can still be visited today. From the story of Father Junipero Serra's tortuous journey to establish the first mission in San Diego to the well-known legend of the swallows of San Juan Capistrano, here are the unique histories of the jewels of El Camino Real. This beautiful photographic celebration of Spain's religious contribution to the Golden State features both historic and modern photographs with interior and exterior images of the gardens, grounds, and various mission complex buildings.