The mission system was developed as a method to occupy lands that might otherwise become occupied by the Russians, the English, or the French. The missions were operated by the padres, but guarded by soldiers.
Spain built the California missions.
In California, a total of 21 Missions were built. See link:
Spain.
21
He built 9 missions in California.
many people think the spanish did but some think american indians did
Fathers Serra, Palou and Parron built the first mission
The Spain people discovered Alta (upper) California where the missions are now and they didn't want anyone to claim their land so they built missions to protect Alta California.
The Spanish government, in conjunction with the Roman Catholic Church, built the missions as a way to subdue the native inhabitants of California.
21 missions were built.
The coast, so missionaries could get in and out if the country eaisily,
The Geysers, built in 1960 in northern California, remains the world's premier