Orange County Missions

Orange County Missions Overview

The Spanish built the missions in their conquest to convert the indigenous peoples to Christianity and as strongholds for their newly claimed territories. Between 1769 and 1823, twenty-one missions were built along the 'King's Highway' in California, which is now Highway 101 in the northern & central state and Interstate 5 in the south. Orange County has one California Mission in San Juan Capistrano. These Missions remain the oldest structures in California. Most of the California Missions are still active churches and have museums and gift shops. They have all suffered earthquake or fire damage and very few have been left in a damaged state.

Orange County Missions
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San Juan Capistrano is located at the intersection of the 5 freeway and Highway 78 in San Juan Capistrano. This is the seventh California Mission. It was founded on November 1, 1776 by Padre Junipero Serra. The great stone church still lay in ruin from an 1812 earthquake, but much else remains intact throughout the grounds. This California Mission is most renowned for 'the return of the swallows', which occurs around March 19th every year. They return all the way from Argentina where they nest for the winter.

Mission San Juan Capistrano
San Juan Capistrano, CA 92693
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Missions Chronological Order
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Missions by Region
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