Spanish Settlements, 1769-1820, continued · Before Silicon Valley

Title: Spanish Settlements, 1769-1820, continued
Description: Two out of the 21 missions were established in Santa Clara Valley: Mission Santa Clara de Asís (1777) and Mission San José (1797). Labor on these missions was performed by Natives from missions in Baja California brought to help acculturate local tribes, as well as native Californians from nine language groups. The majority came from the Tamyen Costanoan-speaking tribe of the South Bay and the Yokuts of the San Joaquin Valley. Before European contact, the Yokuts consisted of up to 60 tribes speaking several related languages. Spanish missionaries forced Natives to convert to Catholicism and work in the extensive mission fields, orchards, and workshops. To enforce church rules and prevent escape, two soldiers from a nearby presidio were placed at each mission, aided by Native converts (neophytes).
Identifier: B4SV Exhibit Topic One: Slide 004