Imperial, California - In 1750, the Spanish missionary, Father Junipero Serra, started a historic trek through Mexico, and north into what is now California, eventually establishing missions that became settlements, then towns, and--ultimately cities. On July 16, 1769, Serra and his party of explorers arrived in what is now San Diego. In all, the missionary founded nine cities in California stretching from San Diego to San Francisco.

For more information, the Grateful American Book Prize recommends Stowaway to California! Adventures with Father Junipero Serra by Natalie Nelson Hernandez.