Route of San Antonio Missions. Texas, USA and Geolocations. GeoLandmarks.

 

The missions of San Antonio, Texas are a group of historic Spanish colonial missions along the San Antonio River, established in the 18th century. They are now part of the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park, and five of them are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. We visited all of them. #abuelosmochileros_sanantonio 

 

1. The Alamo (Mission San Antonio de Valero)

 

Postcard. Photographer Laurent Parent

All photos by @abuelomochileros 2011

We visited the five San Antonio Missions starting with this one. The Alamo (Mission San Antonio de Valero) was founded in 1718 in East Texas and moved to San Antonio in 1724, the Alamo was the first mission in the San Antonio area. Its primary goal was to convert local Coahuiltecan Indians to Christianity and integrate them into Spanish colonial society. Over time, it became a military outpost and played a central role in Texas history. In 1836, it gained fame as the site of the Battle of the Alamo during the Texas Revolution, where a small group of Texian defenders fought against the Mexican army. Today, it is a symbol of Texas independence and a major historical landmark.#abuelosmochileros_sanantonio #abuelosmochileros_texas

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2. Mission Concepción (Mission Nuestra Señora de la Purísima Concepción de Acuña)

Postcard. Photographer George Huey

 

Established in 1716 in East Texas and moved to San Antonio in 1731, Mission Concepción is the oldest unrestored stone church in the United States still in use for worship. The mission was designed to convert and educate the local Native Americans, particularly the Coahuiltecan tribes, in Spanish culture, agriculture, and religion. Its church walls feature original frescoes and murals, making it one of the most well-preserved examples of Spanish colonial architecture in the U.S.

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3. Mission San José (Mission San José y San Miguel de Aguayo)

Postcard. George Huey 

Founded in 1720, Mission San José quickly became the largest and most influential mission in the San Antonio area, earning the nickname “Queen of the Missions.” It was home to hundreds of Native Americans who lived, worked, and worshiped there. The mission complex included a church, granary, workshops, and defensive walls. San José is especially noted for its ornate stone façade and Rose Window, which exemplify Spanish Colonial craftsmanship. It served as both a religious and economic center, teaching agriculture, weaving, and animal husbandry to mission residents.

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4. Mission San Juan Capistrano (Mission San Juan de Capistrano)

 

Postcard. Photographer George Huey

Established in 1731, Mission San Juan was primarily a farming mission. Its residents cultivated crops such as corn, beans, and wheat, and raised livestock to support the community and nearby missions. The mission’s adobe church, although simple in design, was a hub of religious and cultural life. San Juan also became a vital center for irrigation and water management, with a network of acequias (irrigation ditches) built to sustain its fields—a system still partially in use today.

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5. Mission Espada (Mission San Francisco de la Espada)

 

Postcard. Phograper George Huey

Founded in 1731, Mission Espada was established to extend Spanish influence and convert local Native Americans along the southern reaches of the San Antonio River. Espada is renowned for its historic aqueduct, built to transport water from the river to mission fields, demonstrating advanced colonial engineering. The mission included a chapel, living quarters, and agricultural facilities. Espada emphasized farming, livestock, and education for Native Americans, helping to sustain both the mission community and the Spanish colonial presence in the region.

Geolocations of San Antonio Missions

Route of San Antonio Missions

GeoSanctus - Geolocations of Catholic Santuaries, Churches, Hermitages and Misions.