Download or read book Missions of San Francisco Bay written by Robert A. Bellezza and published by Arcadia Publishing. This book was released on 2014-02-17 with total page 128 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Legendary explorer Lt. Col. Juan Bautista de Anza completed a 1,000-mile journey from Sonora, Mexico, crossing the Mojave Desert with the first settlers, to San Franciscos pristine harbor. Fr. Francisco Palu celebrated the dedication of Mission San Francisco de Ass on June 29, 1776. First established to protect Spains interests in Alta California from foreign ships, Californias landmark buildings are featured here with newly discovered photography depicting a romantic era of colorful Spanish conquistadors, Franciscan padres, and mission Indian neophytes from 1769 to 1823. Explore the heritage of California pioneers first communities and the 21 California Spanish missions of adobe, stone, and tile that are considered architectural wonders that have captured the imagination of visitors and historians over centuries.