Mission San José (Texas) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Mission San José y San Miguel de Aguayo |
|
|---|---|
|
"Queen of the Missions"
|
|
The church of Mission San José y San Miguel de Aguayo
|
|
| Religion | |
| Affiliation | Roman Catholic |
| Location | |
| Location | San Antonio, Texas, United States |
| Architecture | |
| Architectural style | Spanish Colonial |
| Groundbreaking | Founded 1720; Work began in 1768 |
| Completed | 1782 |
| Criteria | Cultural: (ii) |
| Designated | 2015 (39th session) |
| Parent listing | San Antonio Missions |
| Reference no. | 1466-003 |
| State Party |  United States |
| Region | Europe and North America |
Mission San José y San Miguel de Aguayo is a historic Catholic mission located in San Antonio, Texas. It is often called the "Queen of the Missions" because it was the largest and most beautiful mission in the area. This important place was named partly after the Marquis de San Miguel de Aguayo.
Contents
History of Mission San José
Mission San José was started on February 23, 1720. It was built because another mission nearby, Mission San Antonio de Valero (which is now The Alamo), became too crowded. Many Native Americans from East Texas needed a new home.
Father Antonio Margil got permission to build this new mission. It was about 5 miles (8 km) south of Mission San Antonio de Valero. Like the other missions, San José was a place for the Coahuiltecan Native Americans. Here, they learned about the Catholic faith and new ways of life.
Building the Mission
At first, the buildings were simple. They were made from brush, straw, and mud. But soon, people built much stronger stone structures. These included rooms for guests, offices, a dining area, and a pantry.
A strong outer wall was built around the main part of the mission. Inside these walls, there were rooms for about 350 Native Americans. This made the mission a safe and busy community.
A new church was built in 1768 using local limestone. This church is still standing today.
Mission Life Ends
Over time, the mission's purpose changed. In 1794, the mission lands were given to the Native Americans who lived there. Official mission activities stopped in 1824.
After the mission closed, its buildings were used by different people. Soldiers, homeless people, and even bandits lived there.
Restoring the Mission
In 1933, work began to rebuild and fix up the mission grounds. Groups like the Civil Works Administration helped with the labor. Money for this restoration came from the United States government. This funding was part of the Texas Centennial Exposition held in Dallas in 1936.
Thanks to these efforts, the mission walls and the Native American living quarters were rebuilt. The granary, which was used to store grain, was also repaired.
Features of the Church
The front of the church is very detailed. At the very top, you can see a cross, which represents Jesus Christ. Below that is a statue of St. Joseph (San José) holding the baby Jesus. You can also see statues of St. Dominic and St. Francis.
Further down, there is a statue of Our Lady of Guadalupe (the Virgin Mary). At the bottom, you'll find St. Joachim and St. Anne holding the infant Mary.
The Rose Window
On the south wall of the church, there is a famous window called the Rose Window. It is also known as "La Ventana de Rosa." No one knows for sure who carved this beautiful window or why.
One popular story says that a Spanish artist named Pedro Huizar carved it in 1775. The legend says he dedicated it to his sweetheart, Rosa. She was traveling from Spain to meet him but sadly died at sea. The Rose Window is a great example of Baroque architecture in America.
Mission San José Today
Today, Mission San José is part of the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park. In 2015, it became a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. This means it is a very important place for everyone in the world to protect. Other San Antonio missions, like The Alamo and Mission Concepción, are also part of this World Heritage Site.
The mission is still an active church today. It has a priest and continues to serve its community.
See also
- Spanish missions in Texas
- Mission Nuestra Señora de la Purísima Concepción de Acuña; also Mission Concepcion
- Mission San Juan Capistrano
- Mission San Francisco de la Espada
- Espada Acequia
Images for kids
-
San José Mission in September of 1969
