Instructions

History

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When Spain came to the New World, it did so with a two-fold purpose. First and foremost, it sought wealth for the empire. Second, but of more lasting importance, as a Catholic nation, Spain took the opportunity to convert the non-Christian populace. This led to the mission system throughout the New World, where religious missions were established to convert the local native tribes to Christianity. These were run primarily by either the Jesuits or the Franciscans, both religious orders. By the time settlement began in California in the mid 1700s, this system had already been well established through the Spanish domain.

Geography

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In California, the most notable feature of the mission system was the Camino Real, or "King's Road." This was the road that connected the all missions in California, from San Diego in the south to Sonoma in the north. Twenty-one missions were eventually built along the road, the majority of which were located along the coast. Often missions were built next to established settlements or pueblos. The spacing of the missions was important, as they served not only as religious centers but as the rest stops of the day for travelers. Thus the missions were generally no farther apart than a person could travel on horseback in a single day. The San Fernando Mission was founded in part to fill a gap in the mission system, between San Gabriel and San Buenaventura.

Function

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This spot was already the locale of the pueblo of Los Angeles and proximity to the growing city was important for the mission's religious work. It should be noted that the conversion of the locals happened within a specific set of guidelines. Guidelines established by the Spanish monarchy maintained that the native tribes were to be largely left alone. Aside from instruction in the Catholic faith, conducted at the mission, the natives tribes could maintain their own settlements and choose their own leaders. San Fernando's proximity to Los Angeles led to its role as a rest stop somewhat overshadowing its religious functions and additional structures were built to accommodate the growing numbers of travelers.

Time Frame

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Founded in 1797, by 1845 the mission at San Fernando had largely fallen into disuse. In part, due to growth in the very city that had at first been a blessing for the new mission, it was also the result of the inevitable decline of the mission system in general. As Spain's power in the New World ebbed, so too did the direct influence of religion and the numbers of converts steadily declined. Among the California missions, San Fernando probably suffered the worst, at one point becoming a pig farm. Not until restoration efforts of the early twentieth century began would the mission be returned to the safekeeping of the religious orders.

Significance

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The mission system in general had two lasting influences on the region. First, the Camino Real helped pave the way for later roads, including the modern highway system that now links the coastal towns. By linking the settlements, it also encouraged growth of the major cities (including Los Angeles next to the San Fernando mission) that now dot California's coast. Somewhat less so in California, but very prominently in Mexico and further south, was the spread of Catholicism. Spain and the mission system are almost entirely responsible for the important societal role Christianity, and Catholicism in particular, plays in Central and South America.