Help me find something exciting about the CA Missions to research

(I don’t think this qualifies as homework help, since I’ll be doing all my own research. I’m just looking for some ideas for a topic.)

That said, I’m currently in an early CA history course and the time has come to decide on a term paper topic. Seeing as it’s the third week of class, I don’t know much about early CA yet; not knowing much about the subject matter and having to choose a term paper topic is proving to be slightly problematic.

I’ve narrowed it down to the missions, simply because I want to go visit them again (I haven’t been since the 4th grade…ahh, that was a great field trip! :D). I’ve done some research and I think I may do something about one of the various Indian rebellions, but I’m not quite sure.

Anyway, long story short: I’m posting this as a plea for help. I’m sure there are Dopers who are well versed in the CA missions (much more then I, at least) and I would greatly appreciate it if you can point me in the right direction. What are some of the more interesting areas of study when it comes to the CA missions?

Please note that the OP wrote for permission to post this, and was granted permission.

Lynn
For the Straight Dope