Dictionary.net

Spanish religions establishments conducted by Franciscan friars for the civilization and conversion of the Indians in Mexico and California. The first mission founded in California was at San Diego, in 1769; a second was established at Monterey a few months later. Before many years had elapsed there was a line of twenty-one prosperous missiones between San Diego and Point Reyes. In 1834 there were 30,650 Indians connected with the missiones. The property of the missiones was very extensive. Their decline began in the attempt at secularization by the Spanish Government. The priests had absolute control over the Indians, treating them more like slaves than free men, yet they taught them much both of religious and practical matters.