Missions of California (1907)

Static shots of the California missions, many of them in states of disrepair. Franciscan priests established 21 missions between 1769 and 1833 in Alta California, accompanied by military outposts. Their goal was to spread Christianity among the local Native Americans. To facilitate overland travel, the mission settlements were situated approximately 30 miles (48 kilometers) apart, about one day’s journey on horseback, or three days on foot. The entire trail eventually became a 600-mile (966-kilometer) long “California Mission Trail.“ Rev. Lasuén successfully argued that filling in the empty spaces along El Camino Real with additional outposts would provide much-needed rest stops where travelers could take lodging in relative safety and comfort.[1]:132[2]:152 Heavy freight movement was practical only via water. Tradition has it that the padres sprinkled mustard seeds along the trail to mark it with bright yellow flowers. —Wikipedia Norman Dawn’s first film,Missions