There are21 missions in Alta California. Mission San Diego de Alcalawas the first mission built back in 1778 in San Diego by the Spanish San FranciscanPadres(fathers).
All Californianmissions were founded by the Spanish San Franciscan fathers except one mission? Indeed, Mission San Francisco de Solano was foundedon July 4, 1823 bythe Mexican Father Altimera at the SonomaTownPlaza. Why? Because Mexico gained its independence from Spain. The Mexican War of Independence (1810-1821) was a military confrontation between Mexico and the Spaniardsthat lasted over 12 years. Mexico finally gained its independence in 1821. It was in 1823 when Mexicans decided to build the Mission San Francisco de Solano at the Sonoma Town Plaza.
In 1846, Californiagained its independence from the Mexican Authorities and proclaimed it as the new Republic of California as a result of the Bear Flag.
It was on SonomaHistoricPlaza whereCalifornia bear flags was raisedfor the first time , on June 14,1846. Learn more ….