San Antonio Missions:
Spanish Influence in Texas

(Photo by Beth Boland) Most Americans know the clarion call "Remember the Alamo!" and have a hazy recollection that the "fort" originally had been built as a Spanish mission. What is less well known outside the Southwest is that the Mission San Antonio de Valero--the Alamo--was only one of a chain of missions strung along the San Antonio River. Established between 1718 and 1731, these missions were built not only to spread the faith of the conquistadors, but also to serve multiple foreign policy objectives for the Spanish government. The famous Alamo is now a state historic site under the stewardship of the Daughters of the Republic of Texas and serves primarily as a reminder of the Texas Revolution of 1835-36. The other San Antonio River missions--Concepcion, San José, San Juan, and Espada--with some surrounding lands, constitute San Antonio Missions National Historical Park. By cooperative agreement with the Archdiocese of San Antonio, the mission churches remain active places of worship. Their importance, however, reaches far beyond their religious significance.

TABLE OF CONTENTS About This Lesson Getting Started: Inquiry Question Setting the Stage: Historical Context Locating the Site: Maps 1. Mission sites and rivers 2. Mission Trail Determining the Facts: Readings 1. The San Antonio Missions and the Spanish Frontier 2. The Spaniards and the Indians Visual Evidence: Images 1. Plan of Mission San José 2. Mission San José 3. Mission San José Church 4. Main entrance, Mission San José Church 5. Convento Garden, Mission San José 6. Espada Aqueduct and Acequia Putting It All Together: Activities 1. Comparing Spanish and English Colonial Policy 2. Researching the Columbian Exchange 3. Researching the Community Supplementary Resources

RELATED INFORMATION How to Use a TwHP Lesson Lessons on Related Topics TwHP Home National Register Home About the National Register How the National Register Helps Teachers Contact TwHP San Antonio Missions NHP This lesson is based on the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park, one of the thousands of properties listed in the National Register of Historic Places. Mission Concepcion and the Espada Aqueduct and Acequia have been designated National Historic Landmarks.

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