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) 572 acres (231 ha) federal |
| Established | April 1, 1983 |
| Visitors | 1,238,920 (in 2022) |
| 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 |
| Region: | Europe and North America |
The San Antonio Missions National Historical Park is a special place in San Antonio, Texas, USA. It protects four old Spanish missions. These missions were built a long time ago by Spain to teach Christianity to the local native people.
These missions were part of a bigger plan to settle the Spanish lands in the 1600s, 1700s, and 1800s. They helped spread Spanish culture and religion.
The four missions in the park are:
- Mission Concepción
- Mission San Jose
- Mission San Juan
- Mission Espada
They are located along the San Antonio River. The Espada Aqueduct, an old water system, is also part of the park.
The most famous mission in San Antonio, the Alamo, is not part of this park. It is owned by the State of Texas.
In 2015, the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park and the Alamo became a UNESCO World Heritage site. This means they are recognized as very important places for everyone in the world. In 2019, the United States Mint even put the park on a special quarter coin!
Contents
A Park with a Past
This park started as "Mission Parkway" in 1975. It included many historical spots along the San Antonio River. The National Historical Park was officially created on April 1, 1983. It protects cultural sites and some natural areas.
Some parts of the four missions are still active churches today. They are run by the Archdiocese of San Antonio. In 2015, more land was added to the park.
Mission Concepción: The Oldest Stone Church
Misión Nuestra Señora de la Purísima Concepción de Acuña was first built in East Texas in 1716. It moved to San Antonio in 1731. This mission was founded by Franciscan friars, who were religious brothers.
Mission Concepción is the best-preserved Spanish mission in Texas. It still looks much like it did hundreds of years ago. It became a National Historic Landmark in 1970.
The church is still active today. People attend Sunday Mass there regularly. Its inside was carefully restored in 2010 to bring back its original beauty.
Mission San José: Queen of the Missions
Misión San José y San Miguel de Aguayo was built in 1720. It was named a National Historic Site in 1941. The church you see today was finished in 1768.
Mission San José was founded by Father Antonio Margil. It is often called the "Queen of the Missions" because of its size and beauty. The park's visitor center is right next to this mission.
Mission San Juan Capistrano: A Farming Community
Misión San Juan Capistrano also started in East Texas in 1716. It was called Misión San Jose de los Nazonis back then. It moved to San Antonio in 1731 and got its current name.
This mission was important for farming. It grew crops and raised animals to support the people living there. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1972.
Mission Espada: The First Mission
Misión San Francisco de la Espada was first established in 1690. It was the very first mission in Texas. It moved a few times and finally came to San Antonio in 1731.
This mission also had a large ranch called Rancho de las Cabras. This ranch was about 22 miles away and provided food and livestock for the mission. Mission Espada was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1972.
Mission Reach: Trails and Nature
In 2013, a big project called the Mission Reach Ecosystem Restoration and Recreation project was finished. It added 15 miles of trails for hiking, biking, and even paddling!
These trails connect Mission Concepción, Mission San Jose, Mission San Juan, and Mission Espada. They link the missions to the famous San Antonio Riverwalk. Visitors can explore the missions by walking, biking, or using special bus routes.
Other Important Places
The park also includes other historic sites:
- The Espada Aqueduct: This is an old water channel built by the Spanish. It brought water from the river to the mission farms. It was named a National Historic Landmark in 1964.
Learn More
- Acequia Park
- Spanish missions in Texas
