The story of the missions is a compelling human drama that is a vital piece not only of California history, but also of American history. Indeed, many keys to California's past lie in the stories of the 20 missions that stretch along the state's west coast from San Diego to San Francisco. This vital series is compatible with the mission-based curriculum used in fourth-grade California classrooms. It resonates equally with all social studies programs that explore the defunct notion of colonialism and its controversial role in the history of the United States, and with curricula that seek to explore the interaction of different cultures and the rights and voices of indigenous peoples.

Learn about the rich history of Mission San Antonio de Padua: how it started, the people who ran it, the indigenous population, and its legacy today.

Learn about the rich history of Mission San Fernando Rey de España: how it started, the people who ran it, the indigenous population, and its legacy today.

Learn about the rich history of Mission San José: how it started, the people who ran it, the indigenous population, and its legacy today.

Learn about the rich history of Mission San Buenaventura: how it started, the people who ran it, the indigenous population, and its legacy today.

Learn about the rich history of Mission Santa Inés: how it started, the people who ran it, the indigenous population, and its legacy today.

Learn about the rich history of Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa: how it started, the people who ran it, the indigenous population, and its legacy today.