1. Establishment: Mission San Carlos Borromeo del río Carmelo was founded on June 3, 1770, by Spanish explorer Gaspar de Portola and Franciscan friar Junípero Serra. It is the second mission established in Alta California after Mission San Diego.
2. Location: The mission is situated on the Monterey Peninsula, overlooking the Pacific ocean and the Carmel River. Its location was strategic as it provided a safe harbor for ships and easy access to the interior of California.
3. Purpose: Mission San Carlos Borromeo served multiple purposes. It was a religious outpost for the conversion of Native Americans to Christianity, a military base for defense against foreign powers, and an agricultural center for supporting the mission community.
4. Native American Populations: The mission initially interacted with the indigenous Ohlone people who inhabited the area. Over time, other Native American groups such as the Esselen and Salinan also came under the mission's influence.
5. Missionary Work: The mission played a crucial role in spreading Catholicism among the Native Americans. Franciscans friars used various methods to evangelize, including teaching the Spanish language, introducing European customs and technologies, and building mission structures.
6. Agricultural Success: Mission San Carlos Borromeo achieved considerable success in agriculture. The fertile land and favorable climate allowed the mission to grow a variety of crops, including wheat, corn, and vegetables. These agricultural products sustained the mission community and contributed to the local economy.
7. Secularization: In 1834, the Mexican government passed the Secularization Act leading to the removal of Franciscan friars from the mission. The mission land and properties were distributed to private individuals, and the mission's operations declined.
8. Restoration: In the late 1800s, the mission underwent a restoration process led by Father Doroteo Ambrois. The mission buildings were repaired, reconstructed, and reopened to the public. Today, Mission San Carlos Borromeo stands as an active Catholic parish and a national historic landmark, preserving the history of Spanish colonization in California.
