Nearby city: San Antonio, TX
San Antonio has a long, vibrant, unique and diverse history that is very fun to learn about and explore. The city has stayed true to its roots, a mix of cultures (Spanish, Mexican, indigenous peoples, and Euro-American) that have all called these beautiful rolling hills of Central Texas home.
The Spanish Empire established the colony of Texas in 1690. Some of the earliest buildings in the town now known as San Antonio are the five Catholic Missions (Churches) established in the 18th century to aid the Spanish Empire’s efforts to convert the native peoples to Christianity. The Missions were also critical in establishing the political influence and culture of the Spanish Empire in the New World. The Missions introduced European livestock, fruits, vegetables, and industry to the area. The missions also served as fortifications in times of conflict and war. All five of the Missions were built along the San Antonio River. San Antonio would become the largest and most important town in Spanish Texas. Four of the five missions are now protected by the National Park System as San Antonio Missions National Historical Park. From north to south, the four missions in the park are: (1) Mission Concepcion; (2) Mission San Jose; (3) Mission San Juan Capistrano; and (4) Mission Espada. All four missions are still active Churches, that hold meetings and mass on Sundays. The fifth, and most famous, of the Missions is not part of the National Park, should not be missed, and will be addressed later in the blog post.
Mission Concepcion: our first stop was Mission Concepcion, built in 1716. This is the best preserved of the Texas Missions.
Mission San Jose: this Mission was constructed in 1720. I think this was my favorite of the four.
A beautiful rose window.
Mission San Juan Capistrano: This mission was established in 1716.
Mission Espada: This mission was established in 1690. It is the oldest (and smallest) of the four missions.
Bonus: the last of the five San Antonio Missions is not part of the NPS, but it is absolutely well-worth a visit. It is the Mission San Antonio de Valero, better known as the Alamo.
Yes, this is one of the most well-known and celebrated buildings in all of Texas, and the entire country. This Mission was the site of the famous Battle of the Alamo in the War of Texas Independence. The 1836 battle is forever immortalized in this Texas State Park, known as the “Shrine of Texas Liberty.”
The Mission was established in 1724. By 1744, over 300 Indian converts lived within the walls of this mission. It was self-sufficient, relying on 2,000 head of cattle, 1,300 sheep, 2,000 bushels of corn, and 100 bushels of beans; cotton was also grown nearby.
While still the ultimate authority, the Spanish Empire allowed “Texans” (indigenous peoples, Mexicans, and American settlers) a certain level of autonomy in the province as the years went on. In the early 1820s, the Mexicans won independence from the Spanish Empire. The province of Texas was now a part of the Mexican republic, and was one of the most far-flung provinces of the new nation. Mexican officials encouraged settlement by Americans in the area, and many people took advantage of the opportunities in Texas. Most of the settlers were from the southern United States, bringing their language, culture, and their slaves with them. By the 1830s, Anglos (Americans of European descent) greatly outnumbered Tejanos (Mexican-born and/or Spanish descendants) in the province. Leaders of the Mexican Republic became more and more authoritarian, and centralized power in Mexico City, reducing power of local officials in Texas and causing resentment among settlers (who were leaning to be annexed by the United States) towards the Mexican government. In 1829, Mexican President Anastasio Bustamante abolished slavery. This caused much anger among Anglos - most of who were slave holders who had emigrated from The South. Bustamante also increased taxes and severely limited immigration into the province. In 1832, General Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna overthrew Bustamante, declared himself President, and quickly made moves to become a dictator. Santa Anna repealed the Mexican Constitution of 1824 and brutally crushed rebellions against his power grab. Anglos and Tejanos (who were also disappointed in Santa Anna’s coup) in Texas became disillusioned with the Mexican government, increased taxes and tariffs, and centralization and revolted against Santa Anna’s authority. Mexican authorities blamed the unrest in Texas on the Anglos, most of who were illegal immigrants, refused to assimilate or adapt to Mexican culture, and flouted the laws banning slavery, etc.
Texan soldiers overthrew local authorities and captured the Mexican garrison at the Alamo Mission. Santa Anna decided to lead an army himself to crush the rebellion. Only about 100 Texans were stationed at Alamo to defend it from Santa Anna’s approaching army. They appealed for help and supplies from Texan leader Sam Houston, but he could not spare much to help defend the Mission. In January and February 1836, a few reinforcements managed to arrive: James Bowie came with 30 men, cavalry officer William Travis also arrived with 30 men; the two became co-commanders of the garrison. Finally, famous frontiersman and congressman Davy Crockett arrived with a group of volunteers from Tennessee. On February 21, Santa Anna reached the Alamo and laid siege. The Texans were surrounded and outnumbered. And yet, they refused to surrender. They felt that giving up the Mission to Santa Anna would lead to the collapse of the entire revolution.
As the legend goes, Travis gathered his men on March 5, 1836 and drew a line in the ground in the sand and asked all those who were willing to die for the Texan cause to cross the line and stand with him. Apparently all but one man crossed the line.
Santa Anna commenced his final assault on the Alamo on March 6, 1836. The Texans defended the mission valiantly, but ultimately fell to the Mexican army. Travis, Bowie, and Crocket all died in the battle. The Texans stood to the last man, about 11 soldiers who manned a cannon in the chapel itself. Santa Anna’s brutal slaughter of the garrison at Alamo inspired other Texans to take up arms in the cause of independence. When Houston led the Texan army at the climactic Battle of San Jacinto in April 1836, he rallied his troops by yelling “Remember the Alamo!” This decisive victory led to the surrender of Santa Anna’s army and Texas independence from the Mexican Republic. Texas would later become admitted into the United States as the 28th state on December 29, 1845. The Battle of Alamo has been celebrated ever since in song and film, and the exploits of its defenders have become the stuff of legend.
This is a wonderful place to visit. Show up early to avoid lines, take your time through the museums and exhibits (the site is much more than just the chapel). No pictures allowed inside the chapel.
San Antonio is a great town to visit. The Alamo is right next to the Riverwalk - a fun section of town along the river full of beautiful bridges, restaurants, and shops. Take a ride on one of the barges down the river. We loved our stay in this wonderful city. For more info on the Missions:
https://www.nps.gov/saan/index.htm
