USA HISTORY

Detailed explanation-1: -To protect the missions from attack, the Spanish built presidios, or military bases, near the missions. Soldiers in these forts were generally responsible for protecting several missions. Many soldiers brought their families with them to presidios, which later became centers of settlement in Texas.

Detailed explanation-2: -The presidios were forts built to protect the Spanish priests and their followers from Indian attacks. Presidio soldiers were expected to bring back any natives who ran away from the mission and to protect the groups arriving with supplies.

Detailed explanation-3: -The Spanish Colonial era in Texas began with a system of missions and presidios, designed to spread Christianity and to establish control over the region.

Detailed explanation-4: -The establishment of the four Spanish presidios in California was concurrent with the founding of the missions at the same location. These presidios were military reservations founded for the protection of colonizers and the missions located within the protective radius of influence of these military reservations.

Detailed explanation-5: -The presidio served as the base for exploration throughout California’s interior and it remained the seat of military power in California through the Mexican period. Originally constructed of wood, the presidio was reconstructed of adobe in 1778.