From 1683 until 1767, the Jesuits established about 20 missions in Baja California. The furthest south was founded in 1730 by Father Nicolá Tamaral. It was called Misión de San José del Cabo Añuiti. Four years later the friar was killed by Pericú Indians. The Spaniards’ goal was to convert the natives to Christianity. Inadvertently they exposed the indigenous people to numerous deceases resulting in the death of a large share of their population. This Catholic church was rebuilt in the early part of the 20th century.
