When the Spainish came to the coast of California across the Pacific Ocean in the mid to late 1700s, they eventually built 31 "missions" along the long coast. Their purpose was to bring Christianity to the Native Americans. But, they already had their own beliefs about God. Sometimes they fought back, because the Spanish (and others) were also taking their land. This mission is named "San Juan Capistrano" and building began in 1796--it took 9 years to build. Everything went well for six years after completion, but early in the morning in December 1812, a major EARTHQUAKE brought it down. In 1830, the US government took over all the 31 missions. After some years, preservation of most of the missions has taken place.