Who founded the first California mission and when was it established?

The first California mission, Mission San Diego de Alcalá, was founded by Father Junípero Serra in 1769. This mission marked the beginning of the Spanish mission system in California, which aimed to convert Native Americans to Christianity and establish Spanish presence in the region. Junípero Serra played a pivotal role in the establishment and expansion of this mission system, advocating for the support and protection of the Native populations.

The importance of this foundation lies in its representation of the broader Spanish colonial efforts in California, which included cultural, religious, and agricultural influences that shaped the state's history. The establishment year, 1769, is significant as it reflects the early phase of Spanish colonization in California, occurring just a few years after Spain formalized its claim to the territory.

Serra’s commitment to his mission work and the founding of additional missions contributed significantly to the development of California's agricultural base and the integration of Native American tribes into the colonial economy and society.