The Great California Mission Quest: How Many Missions Did They Actually Build?
Ah, California. Land of sunshine, beaches, and...historic missions? Maybe you've seen those iconic red-tiled buildings with the white walls stretching up to the sky. But how many are there, exactly? Buckle up, history buffs (and quiz champions), because we're about to embark on a journey to uncover the truth, with a sprinkle of fun facts and maybe a dash of mild existential dread.
Counting Sheep is Easy, Counting Missions? Not So Much
You might think counting missions is a simple task, like counting sheep to fall asleep (though if counting sheep keeps you up at night, that's a whole other story). But hold on to your sombreros, history can be a tricky beast! There are a few things to consider:
- Missionary Mischief: The Spanish missionaries in the 18th century weren't exactly known for their record-keeping skills (shocking, I know). So, pinpointing the exact number can be a bit fuzzy.
- Missionary Faux Pas: Apparently, not all missions were created equal. There were these things called "asistencias" which were basically mini-missions helping out the big guys. Do they count? The debate rages on in dusty academic journals (probably).
So, How Many Missions Are We Talking About Here?
Here's the juicy bit: Most sources agree that there were a solid 21 main missions built by the Spanish missionaries in California, stretching from San Diego all the way up to Sonoma. That's a mission marathon, folks! These are the big kahunas, the main attractions, the ones you might see on a California road trip.
But wait, there's more! Remember those "asistencias" we mentioned? If you count those, the number creeps up to a cool 26. Because, you know, why not throw in a few extras for good measure?
The Moral of the Story?
Here's the thing: The exact number might be a little fuzzy, but that doesn't make the California missions any less interesting. They're a testament to a bygone era, a reminder of the complex history of the state. So, next time you're in California and you see one of those majestic missions, take a moment to appreciate it. Who knows, maybe you'll even have a dream about counting sheep...er, missions.
💡 This page may contain affiliate links — we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
