How did the Indians come to live at mission san Rafael?

Answer 1

The Indians, primarily the Coast Miwok people, came to live at Mission San Rafael Arcángel, established in 1817, as part of the Spanish mission system aimed at converting Native populations to Christianity and European ways of life. Many indigenous people were drawn to the mission for its resources, including food and shelter, as well as the promise of protection from rival tribes and colonizers. Over time, the mission became a settlement for these communities, where they engaged in agricultural and craft activities under the guidance of the Franciscan missionaries. However, this often came at the cost of their traditional cultures and autonomy.