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San Antonio Missions
The legacy and history of San Antonio and this region began with a simple ceremony when in 1718 Franciscans and Spanish representatives established the first mission. Within 13 years, five were located along the San Antonio River. The missions’ purpose? To acculturate and Christianize the native population and make them Spanish citizens. Today, visitors can retrace the footsteps of the mission Indians and friars. And, possibly, meet descendants of those first inhabitants.
Administrative Headquarters
2202 Roosevelt Avenue
San Antonio, Texas 78210
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/San_Antonio_Missions_National_Histo...
Information follows for each of the missions:
1) Mission Concepción
2) Mission San José
3) Mission San Juan
4) Mission Espada
5) Espada Aqueduct
--
Mission Concepción
Mission Nuestra Señora de la Purisima Concepción de Acuña
This handsome stone church was dedicated in 1755, and appears very much as it did over two centuries ago. It stands proudly as the oldest unrestored stone church in America. In its heyday, colorful geometric designs covered its surface, but the patterns have long since faded or been worn away. However, original frescos are still visible in several of the rooms.
Mission Concepción
Mission Nuestra Señora de la Purisima Concepción de Acuña
807 Mission Road at Felisa St.
San Antonio, Texas 78210
(210) 534-1540
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mission_Concepcion
--
Mission San José
Mission San José y San Miguel de Aguayo
Known as the "Queen of the Missions", this is the largest of the missions and was almost fully restored to its original design in the 1930s by the WPA (Works Projects Administration). Spanish missions were not churches, but communities, with the church the focus. Mission San José shows the visitor how all the missions might have looked over 250 years ago.
Mission San José
6701 San José Drive
San Antonio, Texas 78214
(210) 932-1001
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/San_Miguel_de_Aguayo,_Texas
--
Mission San Juan
Mission San Juan Capistrano
Originally founded in 1716 in eastern Texas, Mission San Juan was transferred in 1731 to its present location. In 1756, the stone church, a friary, and a granary were completed. A larger church was begun, but was abandoned when half complete, the result of population decline.
San Juan was a self-sustaining community. Within the compound, Indian artisans produced iron tools, cloth, and prepared hides. Orchards and gardens outside the walls provided melons, pumpkins, grapes, and peppers. Beyond the mission complex Indian farmers cultivated maize (corn), beans, squash, sweet potatoes, and sugar cane in irrigated fields. Over 20 miles southeast of Mission San Juan was Rancho de Pataguilla, which, in 1762, reported 3,500 sheep and nearly as many cattle.
These products helped support not only the San Antonio missions, but also the local settlements and presidial garrisons in the area. By the mid 1700s, San Juan, with its rich farm and pasturelands, was a regional supplier of agricultural produce. With its surplus, San Juan established a trade network stretching east to Louisiana and south to Coahuila, Mexico. This thriving economy helped the mission to survive epidemics and Indian attacks in its final years.
Mission San Juan
Mission San Juan Capistrano
9101 Graf Road
San Antonio, Texas 78214
(210) 534-0749
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mission_San_Juan_Capistrano_(Texas)
--
Mission Espada
Mission San Francisco de la Espada
Founded in 1690 as San Francisco de los Tejas near present-day Weches, Texas, this was the first mission in Texas. In 1731, the mission transferred to the San Antonio River area and renamed Mission San Francisco de la Espada. A friary was built in 1745, and the church was completed in 1756.
Following government policy, Franciscan missionaries sought to make life within mission communities closely resemble that of Spanish villages and Spanish culture. In order to become Spanish citizens and productive inhabitants, Native Americans learned vocational skills. As plows, farm implements, and gear for horses, oxen, and mules fell into disrepair, blacksmithing skills soon became indispensable. Weaving skills were needed to help clothe the inhabitants. As buildings became more elaborate, mission occupants learned masonry and carpentry skills under the direction of craftsmen contracted by the missionaries.
After secularization, these vocational skills proved beneficial to post-colonial growth of San Antonio. The legacy of these Native American artisans is still evident throughout the city of San Antonio today.
Mission Espada
Mission San Francisco de la Espada
10040 Espada Road
San Antonio, Texas 78214
(210) 627-2021
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mission_San_Francisco_de_la_Espada
--
Espada Aqueduct
The Espada Acequia, or Piedras Creek Aqueduct, was built by Franciscan friars in 1731 in what is now San Antonio, Texas, United States. It was built to supply irrigation water to the lands near Mission San Francisco de la Espada, today part of San Antonio Missions National Historical Park. The acequia is still in use today and is an Historic Civil Engineering Landmark and a National Historic Landmark.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Espada_Acequia
--
Ephesians 2:10 For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
San Antonio Missions
The legacy and history of San Antonio and this region began with a simple ceremony when in 1718 Franciscans and Spanish representatives established the first mission. Within 13 years, five were located along the San Antonio River. The missions’ purpose? To acculturate and Christianize the native population and make them Spanish citizens. Today, visitors can retrace the footsteps of the mission Indians and friars. And, possibly, meet descendants of those first inhabitants.
Administrative Headquarters
2202 Roosevelt Avenue
San Antonio, Texas 78210
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/San_Antonio_Missions_National_Histo...
Information follows for each of the missions:
1) Mission Concepción
2) Mission San José
3) Mission San Juan
4) Mission Espada
5) Espada Aqueduct
--
Mission Concepción
Mission Nuestra Señora de la Purisima Concepción de Acuña
This handsome stone church was dedicated in 1755, and appears very much as it did over two centuries ago. It stands proudly as the oldest unrestored stone church in America. In its heyday, colorful geometric designs covered its surface, but the patterns have long since faded or been worn away. However, original frescos are still visible in several of the rooms.
Mission Concepción
Mission Nuestra Señora de la Purisima Concepción de Acuña
807 Mission Road at Felisa St.
San Antonio, Texas 78210
(210) 534-1540
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mission_Concepcion
--
Mission San José
Mission San José y San Miguel de Aguayo
Known as the "Queen of the Missions", this is the largest of the missions and was almost fully restored to its original design in the 1930s by the WPA (Works Projects Administration). Spanish missions were not churches, but communities, with the church the focus. Mission San José shows the visitor how all the missions might have looked over 250 years ago.
Mission San José
6701 San José Drive
San Antonio, Texas 78214
(210) 932-1001
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/San_Miguel_de_Aguayo,_Texas
--
Mission San Juan
Mission San Juan Capistrano
Originally founded in 1716 in eastern Texas, Mission San Juan was transferred in 1731 to its present location. In 1756, the stone church, a friary, and a granary were completed. A larger church was begun, but was abandoned when half complete, the result of population decline.
San Juan was a self-sustaining community. Within the compound, Indian artisans produced iron tools, cloth, and prepared hides. Orchards and gardens outside the walls provided melons, pumpkins, grapes, and peppers. Beyond the mission complex Indian farmers cultivated maize (corn), beans, squash, sweet potatoes, and sugar cane in irrigated fields. Over 20 miles southeast of Mission San Juan was Rancho de Pataguilla, which, in 1762, reported 3,500 sheep and nearly as many cattle.
These products helped support not only the San Antonio missions, but also the local settlements and presidial garrisons in the area. By the mid 1700s, San Juan, with its rich farm and pasturelands, was a regional supplier of agricultural produce. With its surplus, San Juan established a trade network stretching east to Louisiana and south to Coahuila, Mexico. This thriving economy helped the mission to survive epidemics and Indian attacks in its final years.
Mission San Juan
Mission San Juan Capistrano
9101 Graf Road
San Antonio, Texas 78214
(210) 534-0749
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mission_San_Juan_Capistrano_(Texas)
--
Mission Espada
Mission San Francisco de la Espada
Founded in 1690 as San Francisco de los Tejas near present-day Weches, Texas, this was the first mission in Texas. In 1731, the mission transferred to the San Antonio River area and renamed Mission San Francisco de la Espada. A friary was built in 1745, and the church was completed in 1756.
Following government policy, Franciscan missionaries sought to make life within mission communities closely resemble that of Spanish villages and Spanish culture. In order to become Spanish citizens and productive inhabitants, Native Americans learned vocational skills. As plows, farm implements, and gear for horses, oxen, and mules fell into disrepair, blacksmithing skills soon became indispensable. Weaving skills were needed to help clothe the inhabitants. As buildings became more elaborate, mission occupants learned masonry and carpentry skills under the direction of craftsmen contracted by the missionaries.
After secularization, these vocational skills proved beneficial to post-colonial growth of San Antonio. The legacy of these Native American artisans is still evident throughout the city of San Antonio today.
Mission Espada
Mission San Francisco de la Espada
10040 Espada Road
San Antonio, Texas 78214
(210) 627-2021
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mission_San_Francisco_de_la_Espada
--
Espada Aqueduct
The Espada Acequia, or Piedras Creek Aqueduct, was built by Franciscan friars in 1731 in what is now San Antonio, Texas, United States. It was built to supply irrigation water to the lands near Mission San Francisco de la Espada, today part of San Antonio Missions National Historical Park. The acequia is still in use today and is an Historic Civil Engineering Landmark and a National Historic Landmark.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Espada_Acequia
--
San Antonio Missions
The legacy and history of San Antonio and this region began with a simple ceremony when in 1718 Franciscans and Spanish representatives established the first mission. Within 13 years, five were located along the San Antonio River. The missions’ purpose? To acculturate and Christianize the native population and make them Spanish citizens. Today, visitors can retrace the footsteps of the mission Indians and friars. And, possibly, meet descendants of those first inhabitants.
Administrative Headquarters
2202 Roosevelt Avenue
San Antonio, Texas 78210
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/San_Antonio_Missions_National_Histo...
Information follows for each of the missions:
1) Mission Concepción
2) Mission San José
3) Mission San Juan
4) Mission Espada
5) Espada Aqueduct
--
Mission Concepción
Mission Nuestra Señora de la Purisima Concepción de Acuña
This handsome stone church was dedicated in 1755, and appears very much as it did over two centuries ago. It stands proudly as the oldest unrestored stone church in America. In its heyday, colorful geometric designs covered its surface, but the patterns have long since faded or been worn away. However, original frescos are still visible in several of the rooms.
Mission Concepción
Mission Nuestra Señora de la Purisima Concepción de Acuña
807 Mission Road at Felisa St.
San Antonio, Texas 78210
(210) 534-1540
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mission_Concepcion
--
Mission San José
Mission San José y San Miguel de Aguayo
Known as the "Queen of the Missions", this is the largest of the missions and was almost fully restored to its original design in the 1930s by the WPA (Works Projects Administration). Spanish missions were not churches, but communities, with the church the focus. Mission San José shows the visitor how all the missions might have looked over 250 years ago.
Mission San José
6701 San José Drive
San Antonio, Texas 78214
(210) 932-1001
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/San_Miguel_de_Aguayo,_Texas
--
Mission San Juan
Mission San Juan Capistrano
Originally founded in 1716 in eastern Texas, Mission San Juan was transferred in 1731 to its present location. In 1756, the stone church, a friary, and a granary were completed. A larger church was begun, but was abandoned when half complete, the result of population decline.
San Juan was a self-sustaining community. Within the compound, Indian artisans produced iron tools, cloth, and prepared hides. Orchards and gardens outside the walls provided melons, pumpkins, grapes, and peppers. Beyond the mission complex Indian farmers cultivated maize (corn), beans, squash, sweet potatoes, and sugar cane in irrigated fields. Over 20 miles southeast of Mission San Juan was Rancho de Pataguilla, which, in 1762, reported 3,500 sheep and nearly as many cattle.
These products helped support not only the San Antonio missions, but also the local settlements and presidial garrisons in the area. By the mid 1700s, San Juan, with its rich farm and pasturelands, was a regional supplier of agricultural produce. With its surplus, San Juan established a trade network stretching east to Louisiana and south to Coahuila, Mexico. This thriving economy helped the mission to survive epidemics and Indian attacks in its final years.
Mission San Juan
Mission San Juan Capistrano
9101 Graf Road
San Antonio, Texas 78214
(210) 534-0749
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mission_San_Juan_Capistrano_(Texas)
--
Mission Espada
Mission San Francisco de la Espada
Founded in 1690 as San Francisco de los Tejas near present-day Weches, Texas, this was the first mission in Texas. In 1731, the mission transferred to the San Antonio River area and renamed Mission San Francisco de la Espada. A friary was built in 1745, and the church was completed in 1756.
Following government policy, Franciscan missionaries sought to make life within mission communities closely resemble that of Spanish villages and Spanish culture. In order to become Spanish citizens and productive inhabitants, Native Americans learned vocational skills. As plows, farm implements, and gear for horses, oxen, and mules fell into disrepair, blacksmithing skills soon became indispensable. Weaving skills were needed to help clothe the inhabitants. As buildings became more elaborate, mission occupants learned masonry and carpentry skills under the direction of craftsmen contracted by the missionaries.
After secularization, these vocational skills proved beneficial to post-colonial growth of San Antonio. The legacy of these Native American artisans is still evident throughout the city of San Antonio today.
Mission Espada
Mission San Francisco de la Espada
10040 Espada Road
San Antonio, Texas 78214
(210) 627-2021
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mission_San_Francisco_de_la_Espada
--
Espada Aqueduct
The Espada Acequia, or Piedras Creek Aqueduct, was built by Franciscan friars in 1731 in what is now San Antonio, Texas, United States. It was built to supply irrigation water to the lands near Mission San Francisco de la Espada, today part of San Antonio Missions National Historical Park. The acequia is still in use today and is an Historic Civil Engineering Landmark and a National Historic Landmark.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Espada_Acequia
--
In the 18th century, the Spanish church established five Catholic missions along the San Antonio River, primarily to extend its dominion northward from Mexico, but also to convert the native population.
What remains of the largest concentration of missions in North America provides an interesting look into Texas’ history.
BikeTexas presents the NCSL Bipartisan Bike Ride. The 2011 National Conference of State Legislatures took place in San Antonio, TX. BikeTexas and NCSL teamed up to take over 130 legislators, their families, and staff from all over the world on a 12-mile ride to all of the San Antonio missions.
San Antonio Missions
The legacy and history of San Antonio and this region began with a simple ceremony when in 1718 Franciscans and Spanish representatives established the first mission. Within 13 years, five were located along the San Antonio River. The missions’ purpose? To acculturate and Christianize the native population and make them Spanish citizens. Today, visitors can retrace the footsteps of the mission Indians and friars. And, possibly, meet descendants of those first inhabitants.
Administrative Headquarters
2202 Roosevelt Avenue
San Antonio, Texas 78210
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/San_Antonio_Missions_National_Histo...
Information follows for each of the missions:
1) Mission Concepción
2) Mission San José
3) Mission San Juan
4) Mission Espada
5) Espada Aqueduct
--
Mission Concepción
Mission Nuestra Señora de la Purisima Concepción de Acuña
This handsome stone church was dedicated in 1755, and appears very much as it did over two centuries ago. It stands proudly as the oldest unrestored stone church in America. In its heyday, colorful geometric designs covered its surface, but the patterns have long since faded or been worn away. However, original frescos are still visible in several of the rooms.
Mission Concepción
Mission Nuestra Señora de la Purisima Concepción de Acuña
807 Mission Road at Felisa St.
San Antonio, Texas 78210
(210) 534-1540
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mission_Concepcion
--
Mission San José
Mission San José y San Miguel de Aguayo
Known as the "Queen of the Missions", this is the largest of the missions and was almost fully restored to its original design in the 1930s by the WPA (Works Projects Administration). Spanish missions were not churches, but communities, with the church the focus. Mission San José shows the visitor how all the missions might have looked over 250 years ago.
Mission San José
6701 San José Drive
San Antonio, Texas 78214
(210) 932-1001
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/San_Miguel_de_Aguayo,_Texas
--
Mission San Juan
Mission San Juan Capistrano
Originally founded in 1716 in eastern Texas, Mission San Juan was transferred in 1731 to its present location. In 1756, the stone church, a friary, and a granary were completed. A larger church was begun, but was abandoned when half complete, the result of population decline.
San Juan was a self-sustaining community. Within the compound, Indian artisans produced iron tools, cloth, and prepared hides. Orchards and gardens outside the walls provided melons, pumpkins, grapes, and peppers. Beyond the mission complex Indian farmers cultivated maize (corn), beans, squash, sweet potatoes, and sugar cane in irrigated fields. Over 20 miles southeast of Mission San Juan was Rancho de Pataguilla, which, in 1762, reported 3,500 sheep and nearly as many cattle.
These products helped support not only the San Antonio missions, but also the local settlements and presidial garrisons in the area. By the mid 1700s, San Juan, with its rich farm and pasturelands, was a regional supplier of agricultural produce. With its surplus, San Juan established a trade network stretching east to Louisiana and south to Coahuila, Mexico. This thriving economy helped the mission to survive epidemics and Indian attacks in its final years.
Mission San Juan
Mission San Juan Capistrano
9101 Graf Road
San Antonio, Texas 78214
(210) 534-0749
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mission_San_Juan_Capistrano_(Texas)
--
Mission Espada
Mission San Francisco de la Espada
Founded in 1690 as San Francisco de los Tejas near present-day Weches, Texas, this was the first mission in Texas. In 1731, the mission transferred to the San Antonio River area and renamed Mission San Francisco de la Espada. A friary was built in 1745, and the church was completed in 1756.
Following government policy, Franciscan missionaries sought to make life within mission communities closely resemble that of Spanish villages and Spanish culture. In order to become Spanish citizens and productive inhabitants, Native Americans learned vocational skills. As plows, farm implements, and gear for horses, oxen, and mules fell into disrepair, blacksmithing skills soon became indispensable. Weaving skills were needed to help clothe the inhabitants. As buildings became more elaborate, mission occupants learned masonry and carpentry skills under the direction of craftsmen contracted by the missionaries.
After secularization, these vocational skills proved beneficial to post-colonial growth of San Antonio. The legacy of these Native American artisans is still evident throughout the city of San Antonio today.
Mission Espada
Mission San Francisco de la Espada
10040 Espada Road
San Antonio, Texas 78214
(210) 627-2021
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mission_San_Francisco_de_la_Espada
--
Espada Aqueduct
The Espada Acequia, or Piedras Creek Aqueduct, was built by Franciscan friars in 1731 in what is now San Antonio, Texas, United States. It was built to supply irrigation water to the lands near Mission San Francisco de la Espada, today part of San Antonio Missions National Historical Park. The acequia is still in use today and is an Historic Civil Engineering Landmark and a National Historic Landmark.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Espada_Acequia
--
San Antonio Missions
The legacy and history of San Antonio and this region began with a simple ceremony when in 1718 Franciscans and Spanish representatives established the first mission. Within 13 years, five were located along the San Antonio River. The missions’ purpose? To acculturate and Christianize the native population and make them Spanish citizens. Today, visitors can retrace the footsteps of the mission Indians and friars. And, possibly, meet descendants of those first inhabitants.
Administrative Headquarters
2202 Roosevelt Avenue
San Antonio, Texas 78210
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/San_Antonio_Missions_National_Histo...
Information follows for each of the missions:
1) Mission Concepción
2) Mission San José
3) Mission San Juan
4) Mission Espada
5) Espada Aqueduct
--
Mission Concepción
Mission Nuestra Señora de la Purisima Concepción de Acuña
This handsome stone church was dedicated in 1755, and appears very much as it did over two centuries ago. It stands proudly as the oldest unrestored stone church in America. In its heyday, colorful geometric designs covered its surface, but the patterns have long since faded or been worn away. However, original frescos are still visible in several of the rooms.
Mission Concepción
Mission Nuestra Señora de la Purisima Concepción de Acuña
807 Mission Road at Felisa St.
San Antonio, Texas 78210
(210) 534-1540
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mission_Concepcion
--
Mission San José
Mission San José y San Miguel de Aguayo
Known as the "Queen of the Missions", this is the largest of the missions and was almost fully restored to its original design in the 1930s by the WPA (Works Projects Administration). Spanish missions were not churches, but communities, with the church the focus. Mission San José shows the visitor how all the missions might have looked over 250 years ago.
Mission San José
6701 San José Drive
San Antonio, Texas 78214
(210) 932-1001
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/San_Miguel_de_Aguayo,_Texas
--
Mission San Juan
Mission San Juan Capistrano
Originally founded in 1716 in eastern Texas, Mission San Juan was transferred in 1731 to its present location. In 1756, the stone church, a friary, and a granary were completed. A larger church was begun, but was abandoned when half complete, the result of population decline.
San Juan was a self-sustaining community. Within the compound, Indian artisans produced iron tools, cloth, and prepared hides. Orchards and gardens outside the walls provided melons, pumpkins, grapes, and peppers. Beyond the mission complex Indian farmers cultivated maize (corn), beans, squash, sweet potatoes, and sugar cane in irrigated fields. Over 20 miles southeast of Mission San Juan was Rancho de Pataguilla, which, in 1762, reported 3,500 sheep and nearly as many cattle.
These products helped support not only the San Antonio missions, but also the local settlements and presidial garrisons in the area. By the mid 1700s, San Juan, with its rich farm and pasturelands, was a regional supplier of agricultural produce. With its surplus, San Juan established a trade network stretching east to Louisiana and south to Coahuila, Mexico. This thriving economy helped the mission to survive epidemics and Indian attacks in its final years.
Mission San Juan
Mission San Juan Capistrano
9101 Graf Road
San Antonio, Texas 78214
(210) 534-0749
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mission_San_Juan_Capistrano_(Texas)
--
Mission Espada
Mission San Francisco de la Espada
Founded in 1690 as San Francisco de los Tejas near present-day Weches, Texas, this was the first mission in Texas. In 1731, the mission transferred to the San Antonio River area and renamed Mission San Francisco de la Espada. A friary was built in 1745, and the church was completed in 1756.
Following government policy, Franciscan missionaries sought to make life within mission communities closely resemble that of Spanish villages and Spanish culture. In order to become Spanish citizens and productive inhabitants, Native Americans learned vocational skills. As plows, farm implements, and gear for horses, oxen, and mules fell into disrepair, blacksmithing skills soon became indispensable. Weaving skills were needed to help clothe the inhabitants. As buildings became more elaborate, mission occupants learned masonry and carpentry skills under the direction of craftsmen contracted by the missionaries.
After secularization, these vocational skills proved beneficial to post-colonial growth of San Antonio. The legacy of these Native American artisans is still evident throughout the city of San Antonio today.
Mission Espada
Mission San Francisco de la Espada
10040 Espada Road
San Antonio, Texas 78214
(210) 627-2021
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mission_San_Francisco_de_la_Espada
--
Espada Aqueduct
The Espada Acequia, or Piedras Creek Aqueduct, was built by Franciscan friars in 1731 in what is now San Antonio, Texas, United States. It was built to supply irrigation water to the lands near Mission San Francisco de la Espada, today part of San Antonio Missions National Historical Park. The acequia is still in use today and is an Historic Civil Engineering Landmark and a National Historic Landmark.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Espada_Acequia
--
San Antonio Missions
The legacy and history of San Antonio and this region began with a simple ceremony when in 1718 Franciscans and Spanish representatives established the first mission. Within 13 years, five were located along the San Antonio River. The missions’ purpose? To acculturate and Christianize the native population and make them Spanish citizens. Today, visitors can retrace the footsteps of the mission Indians and friars. And, possibly, meet descendants of those first inhabitants.
Administrative Headquarters
2202 Roosevelt Avenue
San Antonio, Texas 78210
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/San_Antonio_Missions_National_Histo...
Information follows for each of the missions:
1) Mission Concepción
2) Mission San José
3) Mission San Juan
4) Mission Espada
5) Espada Aqueduct
--
Mission Concepción
Mission Nuestra Señora de la Purisima Concepción de Acuña
This handsome stone church was dedicated in 1755, and appears very much as it did over two centuries ago. It stands proudly as the oldest unrestored stone church in America. In its heyday, colorful geometric designs covered its surface, but the patterns have long since faded or been worn away. However, original frescos are still visible in several of the rooms.
Mission Concepción
Mission Nuestra Señora de la Purisima Concepción de Acuña
807 Mission Road at Felisa St.
San Antonio, Texas 78210
(210) 534-1540
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mission_Concepcion
--
Mission San José
Mission San José y San Miguel de Aguayo
Known as the "Queen of the Missions", this is the largest of the missions and was almost fully restored to its original design in the 1930s by the WPA (Works Projects Administration). Spanish missions were not churches, but communities, with the church the focus. Mission San José shows the visitor how all the missions might have looked over 250 years ago.
Mission San José
6701 San José Drive
San Antonio, Texas 78214
(210) 932-1001
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/San_Miguel_de_Aguayo,_Texas
--
Mission San Juan
Mission San Juan Capistrano
Originally founded in 1716 in eastern Texas, Mission San Juan was transferred in 1731 to its present location. In 1756, the stone church, a friary, and a granary were completed. A larger church was begun, but was abandoned when half complete, the result of population decline.
San Juan was a self-sustaining community. Within the compound, Indian artisans produced iron tools, cloth, and prepared hides. Orchards and gardens outside the walls provided melons, pumpkins, grapes, and peppers. Beyond the mission complex Indian farmers cultivated maize (corn), beans, squash, sweet potatoes, and sugar cane in irrigated fields. Over 20 miles southeast of Mission San Juan was Rancho de Pataguilla, which, in 1762, reported 3,500 sheep and nearly as many cattle.
These products helped support not only the San Antonio missions, but also the local settlements and presidial garrisons in the area. By the mid 1700s, San Juan, with its rich farm and pasturelands, was a regional supplier of agricultural produce. With its surplus, San Juan established a trade network stretching east to Louisiana and south to Coahuila, Mexico. This thriving economy helped the mission to survive epidemics and Indian attacks in its final years.
Mission San Juan
Mission San Juan Capistrano
9101 Graf Road
San Antonio, Texas 78214
(210) 534-0749
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mission_San_Juan_Capistrano_(Texas)
--
Mission Espada
Mission San Francisco de la Espada
Founded in 1690 as San Francisco de los Tejas near present-day Weches, Texas, this was the first mission in Texas. In 1731, the mission transferred to the San Antonio River area and renamed Mission San Francisco de la Espada. A friary was built in 1745, and the church was completed in 1756.
Following government policy, Franciscan missionaries sought to make life within mission communities closely resemble that of Spanish villages and Spanish culture. In order to become Spanish citizens and productive inhabitants, Native Americans learned vocational skills. As plows, farm implements, and gear for horses, oxen, and mules fell into disrepair, blacksmithing skills soon became indispensable. Weaving skills were needed to help clothe the inhabitants. As buildings became more elaborate, mission occupants learned masonry and carpentry skills under the direction of craftsmen contracted by the missionaries.
After secularization, these vocational skills proved beneficial to post-colonial growth of San Antonio. The legacy of these Native American artisans is still evident throughout the city of San Antonio today.
Mission Espada
Mission San Francisco de la Espada
10040 Espada Road
San Antonio, Texas 78214
(210) 627-2021
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mission_San_Francisco_de_la_Espada
--
Espada Aqueduct
The Espada Acequia, or Piedras Creek Aqueduct, was built by Franciscan friars in 1731 in what is now San Antonio, Texas, United States. It was built to supply irrigation water to the lands near Mission San Francisco de la Espada, today part of San Antonio Missions National Historical Park. The acequia is still in use today and is an Historic Civil Engineering Landmark and a National Historic Landmark.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Espada_Acequia
--
In Mission Espada the pews are a bit more ornate than most today. Also, there is much less non-natural light. But since it was built in 1756 there was little concern about wiring for lights.
San Antonio Missions
The legacy and history of San Antonio and this region began with a simple ceremony when in 1718 Franciscans and Spanish representatives established the first mission. Within 13 years, five were located along the San Antonio River. The missions’ purpose? To acculturate and Christianize the native population and make them Spanish citizens. Today, visitors can retrace the footsteps of the mission Indians and friars. And, possibly, meet descendants of those first inhabitants.
Administrative Headquarters
2202 Roosevelt Avenue
San Antonio, Texas 78210
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/San_Antonio_Missions_National_Histo...
Information follows for each of the missions:
1) Mission Concepción
2) Mission San José
3) Mission San Juan
4) Mission Espada
5) Espada Aqueduct
--
Mission Concepción
Mission Nuestra Señora de la Purisima Concepción de Acuña
This handsome stone church was dedicated in 1755, and appears very much as it did over two centuries ago. It stands proudly as the oldest unrestored stone church in America. In its heyday, colorful geometric designs covered its surface, but the patterns have long since faded or been worn away. However, original frescos are still visible in several of the rooms.
Mission Concepción
Mission Nuestra Señora de la Purisima Concepción de Acuña
807 Mission Road at Felisa St.
San Antonio, Texas 78210
(210) 534-1540
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mission_Concepcion
--
Mission San José
Mission San José y San Miguel de Aguayo
Known as the "Queen of the Missions", this is the largest of the missions and was almost fully restored to its original design in the 1930s by the WPA (Works Projects Administration). Spanish missions were not churches, but communities, with the church the focus. Mission San José shows the visitor how all the missions might have looked over 250 years ago.
Mission San José
6701 San José Drive
San Antonio, Texas 78214
(210) 932-1001
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/San_Miguel_de_Aguayo,_Texas
--
Mission San Juan
Mission San Juan Capistrano
Originally founded in 1716 in eastern Texas, Mission San Juan was transferred in 1731 to its present location. In 1756, the stone church, a friary, and a granary were completed. A larger church was begun, but was abandoned when half complete, the result of population decline.
San Juan was a self-sustaining community. Within the compound, Indian artisans produced iron tools, cloth, and prepared hides. Orchards and gardens outside the walls provided melons, pumpkins, grapes, and peppers. Beyond the mission complex Indian farmers cultivated maize (corn), beans, squash, sweet potatoes, and sugar cane in irrigated fields. Over 20 miles southeast of Mission San Juan was Rancho de Pataguilla, which, in 1762, reported 3,500 sheep and nearly as many cattle.
These products helped support not only the San Antonio missions, but also the local settlements and presidial garrisons in the area. By the mid 1700s, San Juan, with its rich farm and pasturelands, was a regional supplier of agricultural produce. With its surplus, San Juan established a trade network stretching east to Louisiana and south to Coahuila, Mexico. This thriving economy helped the mission to survive epidemics and Indian attacks in its final years.
Mission San Juan
Mission San Juan Capistrano
9101 Graf Road
San Antonio, Texas 78214
(210) 534-0749
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mission_San_Juan_Capistrano_(Texas)
--
Mission Espada
Mission San Francisco de la Espada
Founded in 1690 as San Francisco de los Tejas near present-day Weches, Texas, this was the first mission in Texas. In 1731, the mission transferred to the San Antonio River area and renamed Mission San Francisco de la Espada. A friary was built in 1745, and the church was completed in 1756.
Following government policy, Franciscan missionaries sought to make life within mission communities closely resemble that of Spanish villages and Spanish culture. In order to become Spanish citizens and productive inhabitants, Native Americans learned vocational skills. As plows, farm implements, and gear for horses, oxen, and mules fell into disrepair, blacksmithing skills soon became indispensable. Weaving skills were needed to help clothe the inhabitants. As buildings became more elaborate, mission occupants learned masonry and carpentry skills under the direction of craftsmen contracted by the missionaries.
After secularization, these vocational skills proved beneficial to post-colonial growth of San Antonio. The legacy of these Native American artisans is still evident throughout the city of San Antonio today.
Mission Espada
Mission San Francisco de la Espada
10040 Espada Road
San Antonio, Texas 78214
(210) 627-2021
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mission_San_Francisco_de_la_Espada
--
Espada Aqueduct
The Espada Acequia, or Piedras Creek Aqueduct, was built by Franciscan friars in 1731 in what is now San Antonio, Texas, United States. It was built to supply irrigation water to the lands near Mission San Francisco de la Espada, today part of San Antonio Missions National Historical Park. The acequia is still in use today and is an Historic Civil Engineering Landmark and a National Historic Landmark.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Espada_Acequia
--
Founded in 1690 in East Texas as San Francisco de Tejas, this it the oldest of the missions in San Antonio. It was relocated here in 1731 and renamed the Mission of San Francisco de la Espada. It is a part of the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park.
San Antonio Missions National Historical Park preserves four of the five Spanish frontier missions in San Antonio. These outposts were established by Catholic religious orders to spread Christianity among the local natives. The missions formed part of a colonization system that stretched across the Spanish northern frontier in the 17th, 18th, and 19th centuries.
BikeTexas presents the NCSL Bipartisan Bike Ride. The 2011 National Conference of State Legislatures took place in San Antonio, TX. BikeTexas and NCSL teamed up to take over 130 legislators, their families, and staff from all over the world on a 12-mile ride to all of the San Antonio missions.
San Antonio Missions
The legacy and history of San Antonio and this region began with a simple ceremony when in 1718 Franciscans and Spanish representatives established the first mission. Within 13 years, five were located along the San Antonio River. The missions’ purpose? To acculturate and Christianize the native population and make them Spanish citizens. Today, visitors can retrace the footsteps of the mission Indians and friars. And, possibly, meet descendants of those first inhabitants.
Administrative Headquarters
2202 Roosevelt Avenue
San Antonio, Texas 78210
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/San_Antonio_Missions_National_Histo...
Information follows for each of the missions:
1) Mission Concepción
2) Mission San José
3) Mission San Juan
4) Mission Espada
5) Espada Aqueduct
--
Mission Concepción
Mission Nuestra Señora de la Purisima Concepción de Acuña
This handsome stone church was dedicated in 1755, and appears very much as it did over two centuries ago. It stands proudly as the oldest unrestored stone church in America. In its heyday, colorful geometric designs covered its surface, but the patterns have long since faded or been worn away. However, original frescos are still visible in several of the rooms.
Mission Concepción
Mission Nuestra Señora de la Purisima Concepción de Acuña
807 Mission Road at Felisa St.
San Antonio, Texas 78210
(210) 534-1540
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mission_Concepcion
--
Mission San José
Mission San José y San Miguel de Aguayo
Known as the "Queen of the Missions", this is the largest of the missions and was almost fully restored to its original design in the 1930s by the WPA (Works Projects Administration). Spanish missions were not churches, but communities, with the church the focus. Mission San José shows the visitor how all the missions might have looked over 250 years ago.
Mission San José
6701 San José Drive
San Antonio, Texas 78214
(210) 932-1001
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/San_Miguel_de_Aguayo,_Texas
--
Mission San Juan
Mission San Juan Capistrano
Originally founded in 1716 in eastern Texas, Mission San Juan was transferred in 1731 to its present location. In 1756, the stone church, a friary, and a granary were completed. A larger church was begun, but was abandoned when half complete, the result of population decline.
San Juan was a self-sustaining community. Within the compound, Indian artisans produced iron tools, cloth, and prepared hides. Orchards and gardens outside the walls provided melons, pumpkins, grapes, and peppers. Beyond the mission complex Indian farmers cultivated maize (corn), beans, squash, sweet potatoes, and sugar cane in irrigated fields. Over 20 miles southeast of Mission San Juan was Rancho de Pataguilla, which, in 1762, reported 3,500 sheep and nearly as many cattle.
These products helped support not only the San Antonio missions, but also the local settlements and presidial garrisons in the area. By the mid 1700s, San Juan, with its rich farm and pasturelands, was a regional supplier of agricultural produce. With its surplus, San Juan established a trade network stretching east to Louisiana and south to Coahuila, Mexico. This thriving economy helped the mission to survive epidemics and Indian attacks in its final years.
Mission San Juan
Mission San Juan Capistrano
9101 Graf Road
San Antonio, Texas 78214
(210) 534-0749
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mission_San_Juan_Capistrano_(Texas)
--
Mission Espada
Mission San Francisco de la Espada
Founded in 1690 as San Francisco de los Tejas near present-day Weches, Texas, this was the first mission in Texas. In 1731, the mission transferred to the San Antonio River area and renamed Mission San Francisco de la Espada. A friary was built in 1745, and the church was completed in 1756.
Following government policy, Franciscan missionaries sought to make life within mission communities closely resemble that of Spanish villages and Spanish culture. In order to become Spanish citizens and productive inhabitants, Native Americans learned vocational skills. As plows, farm implements, and gear for horses, oxen, and mules fell into disrepair, blacksmithing skills soon became indispensable. Weaving skills were needed to help clothe the inhabitants. As buildings became more elaborate, mission occupants learned masonry and carpentry skills under the direction of craftsmen contracted by the missionaries.
After secularization, these vocational skills proved beneficial to post-colonial growth of San Antonio. The legacy of these Native American artisans is still evident throughout the city of San Antonio today.
Mission Espada
Mission San Francisco de la Espada
10040 Espada Road
San Antonio, Texas 78214
(210) 627-2021
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mission_San_Francisco_de_la_Espada
--
Espada Aqueduct
The Espada Acequia, or Piedras Creek Aqueduct, was built by Franciscan friars in 1731 in what is now San Antonio, Texas, United States. It was built to supply irrigation water to the lands near Mission San Francisco de la Espada, today part of San Antonio Missions National Historical Park. The acequia is still in use today and is an Historic Civil Engineering Landmark and a National Historic Landmark.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Espada_Acequia
--
BikeTexas presents the NCSL Bipartisan Bike Ride. The 2011 National Conference of State Legislatures took place in San Antonio, TX. BikeTexas and NCSL teamed up to take over 130 legislators, their families, and staff from all over the world on a 12-mile ride to all of the San Antonio missions.
San Antonio Missions
The legacy and history of San Antonio and this region began with a simple ceremony when in 1718 Franciscans and Spanish representatives established the first mission. Within 13 years, five were located along the San Antonio River. The missions’ purpose? To acculturate and Christianize the native population and make them Spanish citizens. Today, visitors can retrace the footsteps of the mission Indians and friars. And, possibly, meet descendants of those first inhabitants.
Administrative Headquarters
2202 Roosevelt Avenue
San Antonio, Texas 78210
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/San_Antonio_Missions_National_Histo...
Information follows for each of the missions:
1) Mission Concepción
2) Mission San José
3) Mission San Juan
4) Mission Espada
5) Espada Aqueduct
--
Mission Concepción
Mission Nuestra Señora de la Purisima Concepción de Acuña
This handsome stone church was dedicated in 1755, and appears very much as it did over two centuries ago. It stands proudly as the oldest unrestored stone church in America. In its heyday, colorful geometric designs covered its surface, but the patterns have long since faded or been worn away. However, original frescos are still visible in several of the rooms.
Mission Concepción
Mission Nuestra Señora de la Purisima Concepción de Acuña
807 Mission Road at Felisa St.
San Antonio, Texas 78210
(210) 534-1540
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mission_Concepcion
--
Mission San José
Mission San José y San Miguel de Aguayo
Known as the "Queen of the Missions", this is the largest of the missions and was almost fully restored to its original design in the 1930s by the WPA (Works Projects Administration). Spanish missions were not churches, but communities, with the church the focus. Mission San José shows the visitor how all the missions might have looked over 250 years ago.
Mission San José
6701 San José Drive
San Antonio, Texas 78214
(210) 932-1001
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/San_Miguel_de_Aguayo,_Texas
--
Mission San Juan
Mission San Juan Capistrano
Originally founded in 1716 in eastern Texas, Mission San Juan was transferred in 1731 to its present location. In 1756, the stone church, a friary, and a granary were completed. A larger church was begun, but was abandoned when half complete, the result of population decline.
San Juan was a self-sustaining community. Within the compound, Indian artisans produced iron tools, cloth, and prepared hides. Orchards and gardens outside the walls provided melons, pumpkins, grapes, and peppers. Beyond the mission complex Indian farmers cultivated maize (corn), beans, squash, sweet potatoes, and sugar cane in irrigated fields. Over 20 miles southeast of Mission San Juan was Rancho de Pataguilla, which, in 1762, reported 3,500 sheep and nearly as many cattle.
These products helped support not only the San Antonio missions, but also the local settlements and presidial garrisons in the area. By the mid 1700s, San Juan, with its rich farm and pasturelands, was a regional supplier of agricultural produce. With its surplus, San Juan established a trade network stretching east to Louisiana and south to Coahuila, Mexico. This thriving economy helped the mission to survive epidemics and Indian attacks in its final years.
Mission San Juan
Mission San Juan Capistrano
9101 Graf Road
San Antonio, Texas 78214
(210) 534-0749
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mission_San_Juan_Capistrano_(Texas)
--
Mission Espada
Mission San Francisco de la Espada
Founded in 1690 as San Francisco de los Tejas near present-day Weches, Texas, this was the first mission in Texas. In 1731, the mission transferred to the San Antonio River area and renamed Mission San Francisco de la Espada. A friary was built in 1745, and the church was completed in 1756.
Following government policy, Franciscan missionaries sought to make life within mission communities closely resemble that of Spanish villages and Spanish culture. In order to become Spanish citizens and productive inhabitants, Native Americans learned vocational skills. As plows, farm implements, and gear for horses, oxen, and mules fell into disrepair, blacksmithing skills soon became indispensable. Weaving skills were needed to help clothe the inhabitants. As buildings became more elaborate, mission occupants learned masonry and carpentry skills under the direction of craftsmen contracted by the missionaries.
After secularization, these vocational skills proved beneficial to post-colonial growth of San Antonio. The legacy of these Native American artisans is still evident throughout the city of San Antonio today.
Mission Espada
Mission San Francisco de la Espada
10040 Espada Road
San Antonio, Texas 78214
(210) 627-2021
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mission_San_Francisco_de_la_Espada
--
Espada Aqueduct
The Espada Acequia, or Piedras Creek Aqueduct, was built by Franciscan friars in 1731 in what is now San Antonio, Texas, United States. It was built to supply irrigation water to the lands near Mission San Francisco de la Espada, today part of San Antonio Missions National Historical Park. The acequia is still in use today and is an Historic Civil Engineering Landmark and a National Historic Landmark.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Espada_Acequia
--
San Antonio Missions
The legacy and history of San Antonio and this region began with a simple ceremony when in 1718 Franciscans and Spanish representatives established the first mission. Within 13 years, five were located along the San Antonio River. The missions’ purpose? To acculturate and Christianize the native population and make them Spanish citizens. Today, visitors can retrace the footsteps of the mission Indians and friars. And, possibly, meet descendants of those first inhabitants.
Administrative Headquarters
2202 Roosevelt Avenue
San Antonio, Texas 78210
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/San_Antonio_Missions_National_Histo...
Information follows for each of the missions:
1) Mission Concepción
2) Mission San José
3) Mission San Juan
4) Mission Espada
5) Espada Aqueduct
--
Mission Concepción
Mission Nuestra Señora de la Purisima Concepción de Acuña
This handsome stone church was dedicated in 1755, and appears very much as it did over two centuries ago. It stands proudly as the oldest unrestored stone church in America. In its heyday, colorful geometric designs covered its surface, but the patterns have long since faded or been worn away. However, original frescos are still visible in several of the rooms.
Mission Concepción
Mission Nuestra Señora de la Purisima Concepción de Acuña
807 Mission Road at Felisa St.
San Antonio, Texas 78210
(210) 534-1540
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mission_Concepcion
--
Mission San José
Mission San José y San Miguel de Aguayo
Known as the "Queen of the Missions", this is the largest of the missions and was almost fully restored to its original design in the 1930s by the WPA (Works Projects Administration). Spanish missions were not churches, but communities, with the church the focus. Mission San José shows the visitor how all the missions might have looked over 250 years ago.
Mission San José
6701 San José Drive
San Antonio, Texas 78214
(210) 932-1001
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/San_Miguel_de_Aguayo,_Texas
--
Mission San Juan
Mission San Juan Capistrano
Originally founded in 1716 in eastern Texas, Mission San Juan was transferred in 1731 to its present location. In 1756, the stone church, a friary, and a granary were completed. A larger church was begun, but was abandoned when half complete, the result of population decline.
San Juan was a self-sustaining community. Within the compound, Indian artisans produced iron tools, cloth, and prepared hides. Orchards and gardens outside the walls provided melons, pumpkins, grapes, and peppers. Beyond the mission complex Indian farmers cultivated maize (corn), beans, squash, sweet potatoes, and sugar cane in irrigated fields. Over 20 miles southeast of Mission San Juan was Rancho de Pataguilla, which, in 1762, reported 3,500 sheep and nearly as many cattle.
These products helped support not only the San Antonio missions, but also the local settlements and presidial garrisons in the area. By the mid 1700s, San Juan, with its rich farm and pasturelands, was a regional supplier of agricultural produce. With its surplus, San Juan established a trade network stretching east to Louisiana and south to Coahuila, Mexico. This thriving economy helped the mission to survive epidemics and Indian attacks in its final years.
Mission San Juan
Mission San Juan Capistrano
9101 Graf Road
San Antonio, Texas 78214
(210) 534-0749
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mission_San_Juan_Capistrano_(Texas)
--
Mission Espada
Mission San Francisco de la Espada
Founded in 1690 as San Francisco de los Tejas near present-day Weches, Texas, this was the first mission in Texas. In 1731, the mission transferred to the San Antonio River area and renamed Mission San Francisco de la Espada. A friary was built in 1745, and the church was completed in 1756.
Following government policy, Franciscan missionaries sought to make life within mission communities closely resemble that of Spanish villages and Spanish culture. In order to become Spanish citizens and productive inhabitants, Native Americans learned vocational skills. As plows, farm implements, and gear for horses, oxen, and mules fell into disrepair, blacksmithing skills soon became indispensable. Weaving skills were needed to help clothe the inhabitants. As buildings became more elaborate, mission occupants learned masonry and carpentry skills under the direction of craftsmen contracted by the missionaries.
After secularization, these vocational skills proved beneficial to post-colonial growth of San Antonio. The legacy of these Native American artisans is still evident throughout the city of San Antonio today.
Mission Espada
Mission San Francisco de la Espada
10040 Espada Road
San Antonio, Texas 78214
(210) 627-2021
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mission_San_Francisco_de_la_Espada
--
Espada Aqueduct
The Espada Acequia, or Piedras Creek Aqueduct, was built by Franciscan friars in 1731 in what is now San Antonio, Texas, United States. It was built to supply irrigation water to the lands near Mission San Francisco de la Espada, today part of San Antonio Missions National Historical Park. The acequia is still in use today and is an Historic Civil Engineering Landmark and a National Historic Landmark.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Espada_Acequia
--
San Antonio Missions
The legacy and history of San Antonio and this region began with a simple ceremony when in 1718 Franciscans and Spanish representatives established the first mission. Within 13 years, five were located along the San Antonio River. The missions’ purpose? To acculturate and Christianize the native population and make them Spanish citizens. Today, visitors can retrace the footsteps of the mission Indians and friars. And, possibly, meet descendants of those first inhabitants.
Administrative Headquarters
2202 Roosevelt Avenue
San Antonio, Texas 78210
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/San_Antonio_Missions_National_Histo...
Information follows for each of the missions:
1) Mission Concepción
2) Mission San José
3) Mission San Juan
4) Mission Espada
5) Espada Aqueduct
--
Mission Concepción
Mission Nuestra Señora de la Purisima Concepción de Acuña
This handsome stone church was dedicated in 1755, and appears very much as it did over two centuries ago. It stands proudly as the oldest unrestored stone church in America. In its heyday, colorful geometric designs covered its surface, but the patterns have long since faded or been worn away. However, original frescos are still visible in several of the rooms.
Mission Concepción
Mission Nuestra Señora de la Purisima Concepción de Acuña
807 Mission Road at Felisa St.
San Antonio, Texas 78210
(210) 534-1540
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mission_Concepcion
--
Mission San José
Mission San José y San Miguel de Aguayo
Known as the "Queen of the Missions", this is the largest of the missions and was almost fully restored to its original design in the 1930s by the WPA (Works Projects Administration). Spanish missions were not churches, but communities, with the church the focus. Mission San José shows the visitor how all the missions might have looked over 250 years ago.
Mission San José
6701 San José Drive
San Antonio, Texas 78214
(210) 932-1001
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/San_Miguel_de_Aguayo,_Texas
--
Mission San Juan
Mission San Juan Capistrano
Originally founded in 1716 in eastern Texas, Mission San Juan was transferred in 1731 to its present location. In 1756, the stone church, a friary, and a granary were completed. A larger church was begun, but was abandoned when half complete, the result of population decline.
San Juan was a self-sustaining community. Within the compound, Indian artisans produced iron tools, cloth, and prepared hides. Orchards and gardens outside the walls provided melons, pumpkins, grapes, and peppers. Beyond the mission complex Indian farmers cultivated maize (corn), beans, squash, sweet potatoes, and sugar cane in irrigated fields. Over 20 miles southeast of Mission San Juan was Rancho de Pataguilla, which, in 1762, reported 3,500 sheep and nearly as many cattle.
These products helped support not only the San Antonio missions, but also the local settlements and presidial garrisons in the area. By the mid 1700s, San Juan, with its rich farm and pasturelands, was a regional supplier of agricultural produce. With its surplus, San Juan established a trade network stretching east to Louisiana and south to Coahuila, Mexico. This thriving economy helped the mission to survive epidemics and Indian attacks in its final years.
Mission San Juan
Mission San Juan Capistrano
9101 Graf Road
San Antonio, Texas 78214
(210) 534-0749
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mission_San_Juan_Capistrano_(Texas)
--
Mission Espada
Mission San Francisco de la Espada
Founded in 1690 as San Francisco de los Tejas near present-day Weches, Texas, this was the first mission in Texas. In 1731, the mission transferred to the San Antonio River area and renamed Mission San Francisco de la Espada. A friary was built in 1745, and the church was completed in 1756.
Following government policy, Franciscan missionaries sought to make life within mission communities closely resemble that of Spanish villages and Spanish culture. In order to become Spanish citizens and productive inhabitants, Native Americans learned vocational skills. As plows, farm implements, and gear for horses, oxen, and mules fell into disrepair, blacksmithing skills soon became indispensable. Weaving skills were needed to help clothe the inhabitants. As buildings became more elaborate, mission occupants learned masonry and carpentry skills under the direction of craftsmen contracted by the missionaries.
After secularization, these vocational skills proved beneficial to post-colonial growth of San Antonio. The legacy of these Native American artisans is still evident throughout the city of San Antonio today.
Mission Espada
Mission San Francisco de la Espada
10040 Espada Road
San Antonio, Texas 78214
(210) 627-2021
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mission_San_Francisco_de_la_Espada
--
Espada Aqueduct
The Espada Acequia, or Piedras Creek Aqueduct, was built by Franciscan friars in 1731 in what is now San Antonio, Texas, United States. It was built to supply irrigation water to the lands near Mission San Francisco de la Espada, today part of San Antonio Missions National Historical Park. The acequia is still in use today and is an Historic Civil Engineering Landmark and a National Historic Landmark.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Espada_Acequia
--
San Antonio Missions
The legacy and history of San Antonio and this region began with a simple ceremony when in 1718 Franciscans and Spanish representatives established the first mission. Within 13 years, five were located along the San Antonio River. The missions’ purpose? To acculturate and Christianize the native population and make them Spanish citizens. Today, visitors can retrace the footsteps of the mission Indians and friars. And, possibly, meet descendants of those first inhabitants.
Administrative Headquarters
2202 Roosevelt Avenue
San Antonio, Texas 78210
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/San_Antonio_Missions_National_Histo...
Information follows for each of the missions:
1) Mission Concepción
2) Mission San José
3) Mission San Juan
4) Mission Espada
5) Espada Aqueduct
--
Mission Concepción
Mission Nuestra Señora de la Purisima Concepción de Acuña
This handsome stone church was dedicated in 1755, and appears very much as it did over two centuries ago. It stands proudly as the oldest unrestored stone church in America. In its heyday, colorful geometric designs covered its surface, but the patterns have long since faded or been worn away. However, original frescos are still visible in several of the rooms.
Mission Concepción
Mission Nuestra Señora de la Purisima Concepción de Acuña
807 Mission Road at Felisa St.
San Antonio, Texas 78210
(210) 534-1540
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mission_Concepcion
--
Mission San José
Mission San José y San Miguel de Aguayo
Known as the "Queen of the Missions", this is the largest of the missions and was almost fully restored to its original design in the 1930s by the WPA (Works Projects Administration). Spanish missions were not churches, but communities, with the church the focus. Mission San José shows the visitor how all the missions might have looked over 250 years ago.
Mission San José
6701 San José Drive
San Antonio, Texas 78214
(210) 932-1001
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/San_Miguel_de_Aguayo,_Texas
--
Mission San Juan
Mission San Juan Capistrano
Originally founded in 1716 in eastern Texas, Mission San Juan was transferred in 1731 to its present location. In 1756, the stone church, a friary, and a granary were completed. A larger church was begun, but was abandoned when half complete, the result of population decline.
San Juan was a self-sustaining community. Within the compound, Indian artisans produced iron tools, cloth, and prepared hides. Orchards and gardens outside the walls provided melons, pumpkins, grapes, and peppers. Beyond the mission complex Indian farmers cultivated maize (corn), beans, squash, sweet potatoes, and sugar cane in irrigated fields. Over 20 miles southeast of Mission San Juan was Rancho de Pataguilla, which, in 1762, reported 3,500 sheep and nearly as many cattle.
These products helped support not only the San Antonio missions, but also the local settlements and presidial garrisons in the area. By the mid 1700s, San Juan, with its rich farm and pasturelands, was a regional supplier of agricultural produce. With its surplus, San Juan established a trade network stretching east to Louisiana and south to Coahuila, Mexico. This thriving economy helped the mission to survive epidemics and Indian attacks in its final years.
Mission San Juan
Mission San Juan Capistrano
9101 Graf Road
San Antonio, Texas 78214
(210) 534-0749
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mission_San_Juan_Capistrano_(Texas)
--
Mission Espada
Mission San Francisco de la Espada
Founded in 1690 as San Francisco de los Tejas near present-day Weches, Texas, this was the first mission in Texas. In 1731, the mission transferred to the San Antonio River area and renamed Mission San Francisco de la Espada. A friary was built in 1745, and the church was completed in 1756.
Following government policy, Franciscan missionaries sought to make life within mission communities closely resemble that of Spanish villages and Spanish culture. In order to become Spanish citizens and productive inhabitants, Native Americans learned vocational skills. As plows, farm implements, and gear for horses, oxen, and mules fell into disrepair, blacksmithing skills soon became indispensable. Weaving skills were needed to help clothe the inhabitants. As buildings became more elaborate, mission occupants learned masonry and carpentry skills under the direction of craftsmen contracted by the missionaries.
After secularization, these vocational skills proved beneficial to post-colonial growth of San Antonio. The legacy of these Native American artisans is still evident throughout the city of San Antonio today.
Mission Espada
Mission San Francisco de la Espada
10040 Espada Road
San Antonio, Texas 78214
(210) 627-2021
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mission_San_Francisco_de_la_Espada
--
Espada Aqueduct
The Espada Acequia, or Piedras Creek Aqueduct, was built by Franciscan friars in 1731 in what is now San Antonio, Texas, United States. It was built to supply irrigation water to the lands near Mission San Francisco de la Espada, today part of San Antonio Missions National Historical Park. The acequia is still in use today and is an Historic Civil Engineering Landmark and a National Historic Landmark.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Espada_Acequia
--
San Antonio Missions
The legacy and history of San Antonio and this region began with a simple ceremony when in 1718 Franciscans and Spanish representatives established the first mission. Within 13 years, five were located along the San Antonio River. The missions’ purpose? To acculturate and Christianize the native population and make them Spanish citizens. Today, visitors can retrace the footsteps of the mission Indians and friars. And, possibly, meet descendants of those first inhabitants.
Administrative Headquarters
2202 Roosevelt Avenue
San Antonio, Texas 78210
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/San_Antonio_Missions_National_Histo...
Information follows for each of the missions:
1) Mission Concepción
2) Mission San José
3) Mission San Juan
4) Mission Espada
5) Espada Aqueduct
--
Mission Concepción
Mission Nuestra Señora de la Purisima Concepción de Acuña
This handsome stone church was dedicated in 1755, and appears very much as it did over two centuries ago. It stands proudly as the oldest unrestored stone church in America. In its heyday, colorful geometric designs covered its surface, but the patterns have long since faded or been worn away. However, original frescos are still visible in several of the rooms.
Mission Concepción
Mission Nuestra Señora de la Purisima Concepción de Acuña
807 Mission Road at Felisa St.
San Antonio, Texas 78210
(210) 534-1540
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mission_Concepcion
--
Mission San José
Mission San José y San Miguel de Aguayo
Known as the "Queen of the Missions", this is the largest of the missions and was almost fully restored to its original design in the 1930s by the WPA (Works Projects Administration). Spanish missions were not churches, but communities, with the church the focus. Mission San José shows the visitor how all the missions might have looked over 250 years ago.
Mission San José
6701 San José Drive
San Antonio, Texas 78214
(210) 932-1001
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/San_Miguel_de_Aguayo,_Texas
--
Mission San Juan
Mission San Juan Capistrano
Originally founded in 1716 in eastern Texas, Mission San Juan was transferred in 1731 to its present location. In 1756, the stone church, a friary, and a granary were completed. A larger church was begun, but was abandoned when half complete, the result of population decline.
San Juan was a self-sustaining community. Within the compound, Indian artisans produced iron tools, cloth, and prepared hides. Orchards and gardens outside the walls provided melons, pumpkins, grapes, and peppers. Beyond the mission complex Indian farmers cultivated maize (corn), beans, squash, sweet potatoes, and sugar cane in irrigated fields. Over 20 miles southeast of Mission San Juan was Rancho de Pataguilla, which, in 1762, reported 3,500 sheep and nearly as many cattle.
These products helped support not only the San Antonio missions, but also the local settlements and presidial garrisons in the area. By the mid 1700s, San Juan, with its rich farm and pasturelands, was a regional supplier of agricultural produce. With its surplus, San Juan established a trade network stretching east to Louisiana and south to Coahuila, Mexico. This thriving economy helped the mission to survive epidemics and Indian attacks in its final years.
Mission San Juan
Mission San Juan Capistrano
9101 Graf Road
San Antonio, Texas 78214
(210) 534-0749
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mission_San_Juan_Capistrano_(Texas)
--
Mission Espada
Mission San Francisco de la Espada
Founded in 1690 as San Francisco de los Tejas near present-day Weches, Texas, this was the first mission in Texas. In 1731, the mission transferred to the San Antonio River area and renamed Mission San Francisco de la Espada. A friary was built in 1745, and the church was completed in 1756.
Following government policy, Franciscan missionaries sought to make life within mission communities closely resemble that of Spanish villages and Spanish culture. In order to become Spanish citizens and productive inhabitants, Native Americans learned vocational skills. As plows, farm implements, and gear for horses, oxen, and mules fell into disrepair, blacksmithing skills soon became indispensable. Weaving skills were needed to help clothe the inhabitants. As buildings became more elaborate, mission occupants learned masonry and carpentry skills under the direction of craftsmen contracted by the missionaries.
After secularization, these vocational skills proved beneficial to post-colonial growth of San Antonio. The legacy of these Native American artisans is still evident throughout the city of San Antonio today.
Mission Espada
Mission San Francisco de la Espada
10040 Espada Road
San Antonio, Texas 78214
(210) 627-2021
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mission_San_Francisco_de_la_Espada
--
Espada Aqueduct
The Espada Acequia, or Piedras Creek Aqueduct, was built by Franciscan friars in 1731 in what is now San Antonio, Texas, United States. It was built to supply irrigation water to the lands near Mission San Francisco de la Espada, today part of San Antonio Missions National Historical Park. The acequia is still in use today and is an Historic Civil Engineering Landmark and a National Historic Landmark.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Espada_Acequia
--
San Antonio Missions
The legacy and history of San Antonio and this region began with a simple ceremony when in 1718 Franciscans and Spanish representatives established the first mission. Within 13 years, five were located along the San Antonio River. The missions’ purpose? To acculturate and Christianize the native population and make them Spanish citizens. Today, visitors can retrace the footsteps of the mission Indians and friars. And, possibly, meet descendants of those first inhabitants.
Administrative Headquarters
2202 Roosevelt Avenue
San Antonio, Texas 78210
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/San_Antonio_Missions_National_Histo...
Information follows for each of the missions:
1) Mission Concepción
2) Mission San José
3) Mission San Juan
4) Mission Espada
5) Espada Aqueduct
--
Mission Concepción
Mission Nuestra Señora de la Purisima Concepción de Acuña
This handsome stone church was dedicated in 1755, and appears very much as it did over two centuries ago. It stands proudly as the oldest unrestored stone church in America. In its heyday, colorful geometric designs covered its surface, but the patterns have long since faded or been worn away. However, original frescos are still visible in several of the rooms.
Mission Concepción
Mission Nuestra Señora de la Purisima Concepción de Acuña
807 Mission Road at Felisa St.
San Antonio, Texas 78210
(210) 534-1540
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mission_Concepcion
--
Mission San José
Mission San José y San Miguel de Aguayo
Known as the "Queen of the Missions", this is the largest of the missions and was almost fully restored to its original design in the 1930s by the WPA (Works Projects Administration). Spanish missions were not churches, but communities, with the church the focus. Mission San José shows the visitor how all the missions might have looked over 250 years ago.
Mission San José
6701 San José Drive
San Antonio, Texas 78214
(210) 932-1001
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/San_Miguel_de_Aguayo,_Texas
--
Mission San Juan
Mission San Juan Capistrano
Originally founded in 1716 in eastern Texas, Mission San Juan was transferred in 1731 to its present location. In 1756, the stone church, a friary, and a granary were completed. A larger church was begun, but was abandoned when half complete, the result of population decline.
San Juan was a self-sustaining community. Within the compound, Indian artisans produced iron tools, cloth, and prepared hides. Orchards and gardens outside the walls provided melons, pumpkins, grapes, and peppers. Beyond the mission complex Indian farmers cultivated maize (corn), beans, squash, sweet potatoes, and sugar cane in irrigated fields. Over 20 miles southeast of Mission San Juan was Rancho de Pataguilla, which, in 1762, reported 3,500 sheep and nearly as many cattle.
These products helped support not only the San Antonio missions, but also the local settlements and presidial garrisons in the area. By the mid 1700s, San Juan, with its rich farm and pasturelands, was a regional supplier of agricultural produce. With its surplus, San Juan established a trade network stretching east to Louisiana and south to Coahuila, Mexico. This thriving economy helped the mission to survive epidemics and Indian attacks in its final years.
Mission San Juan
Mission San Juan Capistrano
9101 Graf Road
San Antonio, Texas 78214
(210) 534-0749
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mission_San_Juan_Capistrano_(Texas)
--
Mission Espada
Mission San Francisco de la Espada
Founded in 1690 as San Francisco de los Tejas near present-day Weches, Texas, this was the first mission in Texas. In 1731, the mission transferred to the San Antonio River area and renamed Mission San Francisco de la Espada. A friary was built in 1745, and the church was completed in 1756.
Following government policy, Franciscan missionaries sought to make life within mission communities closely resemble that of Spanish villages and Spanish culture. In order to become Spanish citizens and productive inhabitants, Native Americans learned vocational skills. As plows, farm implements, and gear for horses, oxen, and mules fell into disrepair, blacksmithing skills soon became indispensable. Weaving skills were needed to help clothe the inhabitants. As buildings became more elaborate, mission occupants learned masonry and carpentry skills under the direction of craftsmen contracted by the missionaries.
After secularization, these vocational skills proved beneficial to post-colonial growth of San Antonio. The legacy of these Native American artisans is still evident throughout the city of San Antonio today.
Mission Espada
Mission San Francisco de la Espada
10040 Espada Road
San Antonio, Texas 78214
(210) 627-2021
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mission_San_Francisco_de_la_Espada
--
Espada Aqueduct
The Espada Acequia, or Piedras Creek Aqueduct, was built by Franciscan friars in 1731 in what is now San Antonio, Texas, United States. It was built to supply irrigation water to the lands near Mission San Francisco de la Espada, today part of San Antonio Missions National Historical Park. The acequia is still in use today and is an Historic Civil Engineering Landmark and a National Historic Landmark.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Espada_Acequia
--
San Antonio Missions
The legacy and history of San Antonio and this region began with a simple ceremony when in 1718 Franciscans and Spanish representatives established the first mission. Within 13 years, five were located along the San Antonio River. The missions’ purpose? To acculturate and Christianize the native population and make them Spanish citizens. Today, visitors can retrace the footsteps of the mission Indians and friars. And, possibly, meet descendants of those first inhabitants.
Administrative Headquarters
2202 Roosevelt Avenue
San Antonio, Texas 78210
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/San_Antonio_Missions_National_Histo...
Information follows for each of the missions:
1) Mission Concepción
2) Mission San José
3) Mission San Juan
4) Mission Espada
5) Espada Aqueduct
--
Mission Concepción
Mission Nuestra Señora de la Purisima Concepción de Acuña
This handsome stone church was dedicated in 1755, and appears very much as it did over two centuries ago. It stands proudly as the oldest unrestored stone church in America. In its heyday, colorful geometric designs covered its surface, but the patterns have long since faded or been worn away. However, original frescos are still visible in several of the rooms.
Mission Concepción
Mission Nuestra Señora de la Purisima Concepción de Acuña
807 Mission Road at Felisa St.
San Antonio, Texas 78210
(210) 534-1540
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mission_Concepcion
--
Mission San José
Mission San José y San Miguel de Aguayo
Known as the "Queen of the Missions", this is the largest of the missions and was almost fully restored to its original design in the 1930s by the WPA (Works Projects Administration). Spanish missions were not churches, but communities, with the church the focus. Mission San José shows the visitor how all the missions might have looked over 250 years ago.
Mission San José
6701 San José Drive
San Antonio, Texas 78214
(210) 932-1001
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/San_Miguel_de_Aguayo,_Texas
--
Mission San Juan
Mission San Juan Capistrano
Originally founded in 1716 in eastern Texas, Mission San Juan was transferred in 1731 to its present location. In 1756, the stone church, a friary, and a granary were completed. A larger church was begun, but was abandoned when half complete, the result of population decline.
San Juan was a self-sustaining community. Within the compound, Indian artisans produced iron tools, cloth, and prepared hides. Orchards and gardens outside the walls provided melons, pumpkins, grapes, and peppers. Beyond the mission complex Indian farmers cultivated maize (corn), beans, squash, sweet potatoes, and sugar cane in irrigated fields. Over 20 miles southeast of Mission San Juan was Rancho de Pataguilla, which, in 1762, reported 3,500 sheep and nearly as many cattle.
These products helped support not only the San Antonio missions, but also the local settlements and presidial garrisons in the area. By the mid 1700s, San Juan, with its rich farm and pasturelands, was a regional supplier of agricultural produce. With its surplus, San Juan established a trade network stretching east to Louisiana and south to Coahuila, Mexico. This thriving economy helped the mission to survive epidemics and Indian attacks in its final years.
Mission San Juan
Mission San Juan Capistrano
9101 Graf Road
San Antonio, Texas 78214
(210) 534-0749
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mission_San_Juan_Capistrano_(Texas)
--
Mission Espada
Mission San Francisco de la Espada
Founded in 1690 as San Francisco de los Tejas near present-day Weches, Texas, this was the first mission in Texas. In 1731, the mission transferred to the San Antonio River area and renamed Mission San Francisco de la Espada. A friary was built in 1745, and the church was completed in 1756.
Following government policy, Franciscan missionaries sought to make life within mission communities closely resemble that of Spanish villages and Spanish culture. In order to become Spanish citizens and productive inhabitants, Native Americans learned vocational skills. As plows, farm implements, and gear for horses, oxen, and mules fell into disrepair, blacksmithing skills soon became indispensable. Weaving skills were needed to help clothe the inhabitants. As buildings became more elaborate, mission occupants learned masonry and carpentry skills under the direction of craftsmen contracted by the missionaries.
After secularization, these vocational skills proved beneficial to post-colonial growth of San Antonio. The legacy of these Native American artisans is still evident throughout the city of San Antonio today.
Mission Espada
Mission San Francisco de la Espada
10040 Espada Road
San Antonio, Texas 78214
(210) 627-2021
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mission_San_Francisco_de_la_Espada
--
Espada Aqueduct
The Espada Acequia, or Piedras Creek Aqueduct, was built by Franciscan friars in 1731 in what is now San Antonio, Texas, United States. It was built to supply irrigation water to the lands near Mission San Francisco de la Espada, today part of San Antonio Missions National Historical Park. The acequia is still in use today and is an Historic Civil Engineering Landmark and a National Historic Landmark.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Espada_Acequia
--
Mission Espada is one of four Missions in San Antonio. Read more about this mission here: www.nps.gov/saan/planyourvisit/espada.htm and here: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/San_Antonio_Missions
Efforts are underway to have the San Antonio Missions designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
On the grounds of the Espada Mission. This is part of the wall that once enclosed the complex, in which hundreds of people lived. Founded 1731. [EspadaMission_SanAntonio_07-22-12_5135_37_39_40_tonemapped]
San Antonio Missions National Historical Park - San Antonio, Texas
April 27, 2013
©Dale Haussner
"Mission San Francisco de la Espada (also Mission Espada) is a Roman Rite Catholic mission established in 1690 by Spain in present-day San Antonio, Texas, in what was then known as northern New Spain. The mission was built in order to convert local Native Americans to Christianity and solidify Spanish territorial claims in the New World against encroachment from France. Today, the structure is one of four missions that comprise San Antonio Missions National Historical Park.
Founded in 1690 as San Francisco de los Tejas near Weches, Texas and southwest of present-day Alto, Texas, Mission San Francisco de la Espada was the first mission established in Texas.
Three priests, three soldiers and supplies left among the Nabedache Indians. The new mission was dedicated on June 1, 1690. A smallpox epidemic in the winter of 1690-1691 killed an estimated 3,300 people in the area. The Nabedache believed the Spaniards brought the disease and hostilities developed between the two groups.
Drought besieged the mission in the summers of 1691 and 1692, and the Nabedache wished to get rid of the mission. Under threat of personal attack, the priests began packing their belongings in the fall of 1693. On October 25, 1693, the padres burned the mission and retreated toward Monclova. The party lost its way and did not reach Monclova until February 17, 1694.
The mission was re-established in the same area on July 5, 1716 as Nuestro Padre San Francisco de los Tejas. The new mission had to be abandoned in 1719 because of conflict between Spain and France.
The mission was tried once more on August 5, 1721 as San Francisco de los Neches. As the Nabedache were no longer interested in the mission, and France had abandoned effort to lay claim in the area, the mission was temporarily relocated along the Colorado River in July 1730. Mission Tejas State Park encompasses the original site of the mission.
The mission relocated to its current location in the San Antonio River area in March, 1731 and was renamed San Francisco De la Espada. A friary was built in 1745, and the church was completed in 1756. The relocation was in part inspired by fears of French encroachment and need for more Missionaries to tend to San Antonio de Bexar's Indian population. The Mission encountered great difficulties in presiding over the Indian population and experienced common rebellious activity."
Source and for more info, see:
San Antonio Missions National Historical Park preserves four of the five Spanish frontier missions in San Antonio, Texas, USA. These outposts were established by Catholic religious orders to spread Christianity among the local natives.
San Antonio Missions
The legacy and history of San Antonio and this region began with a simple ceremony when in 1718 Franciscans and Spanish representatives established the first mission. Within 13 years, five were located along the San Antonio River. The missions’ purpose? To acculturate and Christianize the native population and make them Spanish citizens. Today, visitors can retrace the footsteps of the mission Indians and friars. And, possibly, meet descendants of those first inhabitants.
Administrative Headquarters
2202 Roosevelt Avenue
San Antonio, Texas 78210
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/San_Antonio_Missions_National_Histo...
Information follows for each of the missions:
1) Mission Concepción
2) Mission San José
3) Mission San Juan
4) Mission Espada
5) Espada Aqueduct
--
Mission Concepción
Mission Nuestra Señora de la Purisima Concepción de Acuña
This handsome stone church was dedicated in 1755, and appears very much as it did over two centuries ago. It stands proudly as the oldest unrestored stone church in America. In its heyday, colorful geometric designs covered its surface, but the patterns have long since faded or been worn away. However, original frescos are still visible in several of the rooms.
Mission Concepción
Mission Nuestra Señora de la Purisima Concepción de Acuña
807 Mission Road at Felisa St.
San Antonio, Texas 78210
(210) 534-1540
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mission_Concepcion
--
Mission San José
Mission San José y San Miguel de Aguayo
Known as the "Queen of the Missions", this is the largest of the missions and was almost fully restored to its original design in the 1930s by the WPA (Works Projects Administration). Spanish missions were not churches, but communities, with the church the focus. Mission San José shows the visitor how all the missions might have looked over 250 years ago.
Mission San José
6701 San José Drive
San Antonio, Texas 78214
(210) 932-1001
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/San_Miguel_de_Aguayo,_Texas
--
Mission San Juan
Mission San Juan Capistrano
Originally founded in 1716 in eastern Texas, Mission San Juan was transferred in 1731 to its present location. In 1756, the stone church, a friary, and a granary were completed. A larger church was begun, but was abandoned when half complete, the result of population decline.
San Juan was a self-sustaining community. Within the compound, Indian artisans produced iron tools, cloth, and prepared hides. Orchards and gardens outside the walls provided melons, pumpkins, grapes, and peppers. Beyond the mission complex Indian farmers cultivated maize (corn), beans, squash, sweet potatoes, and sugar cane in irrigated fields. Over 20 miles southeast of Mission San Juan was Rancho de Pataguilla, which, in 1762, reported 3,500 sheep and nearly as many cattle.
These products helped support not only the San Antonio missions, but also the local settlements and presidial garrisons in the area. By the mid 1700s, San Juan, with its rich farm and pasturelands, was a regional supplier of agricultural produce. With its surplus, San Juan established a trade network stretching east to Louisiana and south to Coahuila, Mexico. This thriving economy helped the mission to survive epidemics and Indian attacks in its final years.
Mission San Juan
Mission San Juan Capistrano
9101 Graf Road
San Antonio, Texas 78214
(210) 534-0749
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mission_San_Juan_Capistrano_(Texas)
--
Mission Espada
Mission San Francisco de la Espada
Founded in 1690 as San Francisco de los Tejas near present-day Weches, Texas, this was the first mission in Texas. In 1731, the mission transferred to the San Antonio River area and renamed Mission San Francisco de la Espada. A friary was built in 1745, and the church was completed in 1756.
Following government policy, Franciscan missionaries sought to make life within mission communities closely resemble that of Spanish villages and Spanish culture. In order to become Spanish citizens and productive inhabitants, Native Americans learned vocational skills. As plows, farm implements, and gear for horses, oxen, and mules fell into disrepair, blacksmithing skills soon became indispensable. Weaving skills were needed to help clothe the inhabitants. As buildings became more elaborate, mission occupants learned masonry and carpentry skills under the direction of craftsmen contracted by the missionaries.
After secularization, these vocational skills proved beneficial to post-colonial growth of San Antonio. The legacy of these Native American artisans is still evident throughout the city of San Antonio today.
Mission Espada
Mission San Francisco de la Espada
10040 Espada Road
San Antonio, Texas 78214
(210) 627-2021
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mission_San_Francisco_de_la_Espada
--
Espada Aqueduct
The Espada Acequia, or Piedras Creek Aqueduct, was built by Franciscan friars in 1731 in what is now San Antonio, Texas, United States. It was built to supply irrigation water to the lands near Mission San Francisco de la Espada, today part of San Antonio Missions National Historical Park. The acequia is still in use today and is an Historic Civil Engineering Landmark and a National Historic Landmark.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Espada_Acequia
--
BikeTexas presents the NCSL Bipartisan Bike Ride. The 2011 National Conference of State Legislatures took place in San Antonio, TX. BikeTexas and NCSL teamed up to take over 130 legislators, their families, and staff from all over the world on a 12-mile ride to all of the San Antonio missions.
San Antonio Missions
The legacy and history of San Antonio and this region began with a simple ceremony when in 1718 Franciscans and Spanish representatives established the first mission. Within 13 years, five were located along the San Antonio River. The missions’ purpose? To acculturate and Christianize the native population and make them Spanish citizens. Today, visitors can retrace the footsteps of the mission Indians and friars. And, possibly, meet descendants of those first inhabitants.
Administrative Headquarters
2202 Roosevelt Avenue
San Antonio, Texas 78210
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/San_Antonio_Missions_National_Histo...
Information follows for each of the missions:
1) Mission Concepción
2) Mission San José
3) Mission San Juan
4) Mission Espada
5) Espada Aqueduct
--
Mission Concepción
Mission Nuestra Señora de la Purisima Concepción de Acuña
This handsome stone church was dedicated in 1755, and appears very much as it did over two centuries ago. It stands proudly as the oldest unrestored stone church in America. In its heyday, colorful geometric designs covered its surface, but the patterns have long since faded or been worn away. However, original frescos are still visible in several of the rooms.
Mission Concepción
Mission Nuestra Señora de la Purisima Concepción de Acuña
807 Mission Road at Felisa St.
San Antonio, Texas 78210
(210) 534-1540
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mission_Concepcion
--
Mission San José
Mission San José y San Miguel de Aguayo
Known as the "Queen of the Missions", this is the largest of the missions and was almost fully restored to its original design in the 1930s by the WPA (Works Projects Administration). Spanish missions were not churches, but communities, with the church the focus. Mission San José shows the visitor how all the missions might have looked over 250 years ago.
Mission San José
6701 San José Drive
San Antonio, Texas 78214
(210) 932-1001
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/San_Miguel_de_Aguayo,_Texas
--
Mission San Juan
Mission San Juan Capistrano
Originally founded in 1716 in eastern Texas, Mission San Juan was transferred in 1731 to its present location. In 1756, the stone church, a friary, and a granary were completed. A larger church was begun, but was abandoned when half complete, the result of population decline.
San Juan was a self-sustaining community. Within the compound, Indian artisans produced iron tools, cloth, and prepared hides. Orchards and gardens outside the walls provided melons, pumpkins, grapes, and peppers. Beyond the mission complex Indian farmers cultivated maize (corn), beans, squash, sweet potatoes, and sugar cane in irrigated fields. Over 20 miles southeast of Mission San Juan was Rancho de Pataguilla, which, in 1762, reported 3,500 sheep and nearly as many cattle.
These products helped support not only the San Antonio missions, but also the local settlements and presidial garrisons in the area. By the mid 1700s, San Juan, with its rich farm and pasturelands, was a regional supplier of agricultural produce. With its surplus, San Juan established a trade network stretching east to Louisiana and south to Coahuila, Mexico. This thriving economy helped the mission to survive epidemics and Indian attacks in its final years.
Mission San Juan
Mission San Juan Capistrano
9101 Graf Road
San Antonio, Texas 78214
(210) 534-0749
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mission_San_Juan_Capistrano_(Texas)
--
Mission Espada
Mission San Francisco de la Espada
Founded in 1690 as San Francisco de los Tejas near present-day Weches, Texas, this was the first mission in Texas. In 1731, the mission transferred to the San Antonio River area and renamed Mission San Francisco de la Espada. A friary was built in 1745, and the church was completed in 1756.
Following government policy, Franciscan missionaries sought to make life within mission communities closely resemble that of Spanish villages and Spanish culture. In order to become Spanish citizens and productive inhabitants, Native Americans learned vocational skills. As plows, farm implements, and gear for horses, oxen, and mules fell into disrepair, blacksmithing skills soon became indispensable. Weaving skills were needed to help clothe the inhabitants. As buildings became more elaborate, mission occupants learned masonry and carpentry skills under the direction of craftsmen contracted by the missionaries.
After secularization, these vocational skills proved beneficial to post-colonial growth of San Antonio. The legacy of these Native American artisans is still evident throughout the city of San Antonio today.
Mission Espada
Mission San Francisco de la Espada
10040 Espada Road
San Antonio, Texas 78214
(210) 627-2021
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mission_San_Francisco_de_la_Espada
--
Espada Aqueduct
The Espada Acequia, or Piedras Creek Aqueduct, was built by Franciscan friars in 1731 in what is now San Antonio, Texas, United States. It was built to supply irrigation water to the lands near Mission San Francisco de la Espada, today part of San Antonio Missions National Historical Park. The acequia is still in use today and is an Historic Civil Engineering Landmark and a National Historic Landmark.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Espada_Acequia
--