Mission San Antonio de Padua was founded by Franciscan friar Junípero Serra as part of the California mission system established by the Spanish Crown. Situated near today's King City, California, this mission was the third in a series of 21 missions planned along the California coast. Serra aimed to spread Christianity among the Native American population and support Spanish colonial efforts in the region. The choice of location was strategic, as it was near the Salinas River, providing access to water and fertile land for agriculture.

The mission was named in honor of Saint Anthony of Padua, a revered Franciscan saint, reflecting Serra's intent to align the mission's identity with Christian teachings and values. Serra, along with a group of Native Americans and fellow missionaries, constructed the mission's original structures using adobe, a traditional building material in California. Over the years, the mission became a hub of religious activity, education, and agriculture, contributing to the cultural landscape of early California.

Mission San Antonio de Padua also served as a center for livestock and crop cultivation, allowing the community to thrive economically. The integration of Native American culture within mission life led to a unique blending of traditions, although it also heralded significant changes and challenges for local indigenous populations. The mission's legacy includes not just religious influence but also impact on agriculture and land use in the region.