Archaeological work at the California Missions offers a compelling window into the complex interactions between Spanish settlers and Native Californian communities during the 18th and 19th centuries. These missions, serve as crucial sites for understanding the profound cultural, economic, and social transformations that shaped California's history. Through meticulous excavation and analysis, archaeologists uncover artifacts, architectural remnants, and other material evidence that reveal the daily lives, struggles, and adaptations of both the missionaries and the indigenous peoples. This research not only enriches our understanding of the mission period but also contributes to a broader narrative of cultural exchange and resilience, highlighting the enduring legacies of these early colonial interactions in shaping California’s diverse heritage.