Presidios - California Missions Foundation

Spanish begins with the Spanish "presidir", means hosting or supervision, Spanish established a series of Presidios or military fortress throughout the United States.

From South America to California, Presidio was established to protect missions and Pueblo from invading aliens and local indigenous peoples who are dissatisfied with the mission system.

The best example of today's Presidio in the United States is the reconstruction of El Presidio de Santa Bárbara. It was added to the original El Cuartel or Soldier's residence - the second ancient building in Alta California -.

There are four branches in Alta, California. The first branch is founded in San Diego, followed by Monterrey, San Francisco and Santa Barbara.

In San Francisco after Washington, DC took over California in the West, the US military used the original Spanish sovereignty.

In San Diego, archaeological exploration revealed the vast Presidio layout of San Diego.

In California, settlement of Spaniards began in 1769 with the establishment of Presidio of Santiago and Catholic mission. By 1823, 20 missions along the coast of California, military presidiaries and civic communities were set up. California colonists tend to be close to the coast and the outback of California. The California economy is based on agriculture and livestock industry. Compared with central New Spain, coastal settlers hardly found mineral resources. Some people become farmers and ranchers, work for themselves and work for other colonists on their own land. Government officials, pastors, soldiers and artisans settled in towns, missions and bureaus

The Spanish presidential office (military fortress) is not well known, but four of them are strategically located on the coast of California. But in the era of their founding, the presidio was equivalent to the authority of the Spanish authorities which they approved to form. In fact, in establishing its political proposition in Alta, California, it can be said that preparation is more important than the task for the Spanish government. We can further argue that the bureau has a long-term social impact on California - their descendants became the main part of the later California ranch elite and the civilian settlers they marry. These people are seedlings of the Hispanic population in California, and even today in their town in Santa Barbara, their descendants are an active part of community life.