About Us

The new California Missions Resource Center website is an updated and expanded edition of a website that attracts over 250,000 visitors viewing more than 1.5 million pages annually. It was initially released in 2003 after 18 months of research, discussions with leading historians and authors, and direct input from each of the 21 California Missions. The research was funded by the California Missions Resource Center, the sponsor of this site.

The website was developed by David J. McLaughlin, author of Soldiers, Scoundrels, Poets & Priests: Stories of the Men and Women Behind the California Missions (a new full-color edition was published in 2018). Mr. McLaughlin co-authored The California Mission Source Book (now in its third edition) with Dr. Ruben G. Mendoza. Mr. McLaughlin has also authored summary biographies, timelines, and classroom display material widely used in California schools. He has been an ardent collector of historic illustrations on the early history of our country from its founding through 19th and early 20th century.

The primary focus of the website is education providing interesting, useful and accessible information about all aspects of the 21 California Missions as well as links to many other historical and educational California resources.

The website sells Pentacle Press products through its gift shop.  All items sold on the website are intended to expand and enhance understanding and appreciation of the California Missions.  These publications are also for sale at many of the mission gift shops. 

We appreciate your visit and your interest in the California Missions.