- The Mission San site was chosen due to its strategic location on the El Camino Real, a major highway that connected the Spanish missions in California.
- It provided a central point for missionaries to travel and establish new missions in the area.
2. Water Source:
- The site had access to the San Gabriel River, which was a reliable source of water for the mission and the surrounding community.
- Water was essential for agriculture, sustaining livestock, and daily needs of the mission residents.
3. Proximity to Native Settlements:
- The area was already inhabited by several Native American tribes, including the Tongva and Chumash people.
- Establishing the mission near their settlements allowed missionaries to spread Catholicism and provide religious instruction to a significant population.
4. Favorable Climate:
- The Mission San site offered a mild and favorable climate throughout the year, which was suitable for agricultural activities.
- California's Mediterranean climate supported the cultivation of crops such as grapes, wheat, and citrus fruits.
5. Fertile Land:
- The area surrounding the mission had fertile soil and abundant natural resources, making it suitable for agriculture.
- The mission economy heavily relied on farming and the production of agricultural products.
6. Access to Ports:
- The Mission San site was not directly located on the coast, but it had access to nearby ports and shipping routes.
- This facilitated trade and transportation of goods between the mission and other settlements in California and New Spain (Mexico).
7. Expansion of the Spanish Empire:
- Establishing Mission San Fernando Rey de España was part of the Spanish colonization efforts in Alta California.
- It served as a religious outpost that helped extend the Spanish influence and territorial claims in the region.
8. Conversion of Native Americans:
- The primary objective of the Franciscan missionaries was to convert Native Americans to Catholicism and integrate them into the Spanish colonial society.
- The mission site was chosen in an area where there was a significant Native American population that could be evangelized.
In summary, the Mission San site was chosen for its strategic location, access to water resources, proximity to Native settlements, favorable climate, fertile land, access to ports, role in expanding the Spanish Empire, and for the purpose of converting Native Americans to Catholicism.
