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Spanish Colonial Spain wanted land, riches, and power. They sent explorers to find gold, claim land and to get to China. North America was in their way, so they searched for a passage through North America. It was called the Straits of Anian or the Northwest Passage. Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo, a Portuguese explorer sailing for Spain, accidentally sailed to what is now California in 1542. Cabrillo reached San Diego in 103 days and called the new land San Miguel. In May of 1602 Sebastian Vizcaino, another explorer, sailed into San Miguel and renamed it San Diego. He said it was “the best port to be found in all the South Seas.” California, San Diego, and Mission Hills were forgotten. 167 years passed before Spaniards returned. This return was the start of change for the Kumeyaay. The Spanish Return The Spanish came to colonize California, beginning with San Diego. They feared other countries would claim the land so they set up the Mission System in order to show that they were living there. Gaspar de Portola, the military commander of the colonization effort, called “The Sacred Expedition in 1769,” rode into San Diego on June 27. Two days later Father Junipero Serra, the religious leader, arrived. The purpose of the Missions was to Christianize the Indians. Father Serra dedicated the first Mission in California to the glory of God. Mission San Diego de Alcala was the first Mission in California. When the system was complete there were 21 missions, one day’s journey apart, from San Diego to the northern area of California. The Kumeyaay Indians willingly came to San Diego Mission de Alcala, but once they came they were not allowed to leave. At times life was harsh. The Kumeyaay worked hard and learned how to be Christians. They also learned farming, sewing, and other trades. The Natives worked everyday, and in the mornings their day began with mass. Captain Portola and his men built the Presidio. The Presidio was a fort to protect the mission, the priests, and the Indians. San Diego was officially founded on July 16, 1769. Several things led to the fall of the Mission System like the Battle of San Diego and a huge earthquake in 1812. This ushered California into a new era of change. by Kelley and Connor
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Father Junipero Serra
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| © 2005 Grant Elementary School |
Mission San Diego de Alcala 
The Serra Museum is where the Presidio used to be.