The military pacification of the area by José de Escandón in the 1740s allowed for the building of permanent missions in the heart of the Sierra Gorda. However, the five Franciscans missions accredited to Junípero Serra were built in Pame territory, as these people were more accepting of Spanish domination.
The military occupation by José de Escandón in the 1740s created an environment conducive to building permanent missions within the Sierra Gorda. Conversely, the Franciscan missions attributed to Junípero Serra were constructed in Pame territory, where the local population was more inclined towards accepting Spanish dominance.