San Antonio Missions National Historical Park facts for kids
Quick facts for kids San Antonio MissionsNational Historical Park |
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Mission Concepción
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 San Antonio Missions
National Historical Park Location in Texas
San Antonio Missions
National Historical Park Location in the United States
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| Location | San Antonio, Texas, USA |
| Nearest city | San Antonio, TX |
| Area | 948 acres (384 ha) 463 acres (187 ha) federal |
| Established | April 1, 1983 |
| Visitors | 614,810 (in 2012) |
| Governing body | National Park Service |
| Website | San Antonio Missions National Historical Park |
| Criteria: | Cultural: (ii) |
| Designated: | 2015 (39th session) |
| Part of: | San Antonio Missions |
| Reference #: | 1466 |
| State Party: |  United States |
| Region: | Europe and North America |
The San Antonio Missions National Historical Park is a special place in San Antonio, Texas, USA. It is both a National Historical Park and part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This park protects four of the five old Spanish missions that were built in the area.
These missions were set up by Catholic groups. Their goal was to teach Christianity to the local Native Americans. The missions were part of a larger system used by Spain to settle new lands in the 17th, 18th, and 19th centuries.
The four missions in the park are:
- Mission Concepción
- Mission San Jose
- Mission San Juan
- Mission Espada
They are listed from north to south along the San Antonio River. The Espada Aqueduct, which is also part of the park, is east of Mission San Juan.
The fifth and most famous mission in San Antonio is the Alamo. It is not part of this park. The Alamo is located in downtown San Antonio. The State of Texas owns and manages the Alamo.
In July 2015, the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park, along with the Alamo, became a UNESCO World Heritage site. This means they are recognized as very important places for everyone in the world.
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Exploring the San Antonio Missions Park
In October 2013, a big project called the Mission Reach Ecosystem Restoration and Recreation project was finished. This project added 15 miles of trails for hiking, biking, and paddling. These trails connect Mission Concepcion, Mission San Jose, Mission San Juan, and Mission Espada to the San Antonio Riverwalk.
Visitors can explore the missions in many ways. You can walk or bike along the trails. You can also use San Antonio's VIVA Culture bus routes to get around.
How the Park Was Created
The park started in 1975 as the "Mission Parkway." It included 84 historical sites along the San Antonio River. The National Historical Park was officially approved on November 10, 1978. It opened on April 1, 1983. The park includes many cultural sites and some natural areas.
Parts of the four missions are still owned by the Archdiocese of San Antonio. They are still active churches today.
For many years, a group called the Daughters of the Republic of Texas (DRT) took care of the Alamo. In 2011, a state law was passed to transfer the care of the Alamo. This meant the Texas General Land Office (GLO) would take over. The transfer officially happened in 2015. The DRT eventually agreed to work with the GLO to help protect the Alamo.
Mission Concepción
Misión Nuestra Señora de la Purísima Concepción de Acuña was first built in 1716 in East Texas. It was moved to San Antonio in 1731. This mission was founded by Franciscan friars. It is the best preserved of all the Texas missions. You can find it at 807 Mission Road. Mission Concepcion was named a National Historic Landmark in 1970.
The inside of the mission was restored in 2009-2010. This work took about six months to complete. Today, Sunday Mass is still held regularly for the community.
Mission San José
Misión San José y San Miguel de Aguayo was built in 1720. It is located at 6519 San Jose Drive. This mission was named the San Jose Mission National Historic Site in 1941. The church building, which is still standing, was finished in 1768. Father Antonio Margil founded Mission San Jose.
The park's visitor center is right next to this mission.
Mission San Juan Capistrano
Misión San Juan Capistrano was first established in 1716 in East Texas. It was called Misión San Jose de los Nazonis back then. The mission was renamed and moved to San Antonio in 1731. You can find it on Mission Road. San Juan was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1972.
Mission Espada
Misión San Francisco de la Espada was first built in 1690. It was called San Francisco de los Tejas. It was renamed San Francisco de los Neches in 1721. The mission was moved to San Antonio in 1731 and given its current name. This mission is on Espada Road. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1972.
Other Important Park Locations
The park also includes two other places that are listed on the National Register of Historic Places:
- Espada Aqueduct: This old water system was named a National Historic Landmark in 1964.
- Ethel Wilson Harris House: This house was listed in 2001.
