Old Mission San Luis Rey de Francia

Founded in 1798, this church belonged to the extensive network of Spanish colonial missions not only in California, but along much of the US-Mexico border. Through the eighteenth century, this region operated as the frontier zone between territories claimed by Spain, France, Britain, and indigenous groups. The objective of the churches established in this region was the evangelization of the local indigenous groups. For the Mission San Luis Rey de Francia, this included the local Takic speaking people. One of its identifying architectural features is its long colonnade, which runs in front of the convent on site. Like many of these missions, it featured a large courtyard and supporting buildings in addition to the sanctuary. This source is part of the Historic Churches in the Southwestern US Source Collection.