This band of explorers was headed through the territory known as "Nueva Espa-a" to what is now East Texas to found a mission-fortress there. They had been struggling over uncharted territory for days in hot, dusty weather, and had seen few streams, rivers or springs.

Rio San Antonio

It was with great joy and relief they discovered a sparkling little stream of crystal clear water flowing through meadows liberally sprinkled with green grass and wildflowers. Because the day of their discovery was the special saint's day set aside on the Catholic calendar to honor St. Anthony, the 13th of June, the party decided to christen the river they had discovered the "Rio San Antonio," which translates as the San Antonio River. They vowed to return one day to establish a mission in this lovely oasis where water flowed freely and the natives were friendly.

Mission San Francisco de Espada

Mission San Francisco de Espada

The first mission was named San Antonio de Valero and was established in 1718. It was first located at San Pedro Springs and later moved to its present location right in the heart of downtown San Antonio. Today it is known by a nickname, "The Alamo."

The Alamo

Abandoned in 1794 after its mission work was completed, the sturdy walls of the chapel became the scene of a bloody battle on March 6, 1836, when 189 valiant Texans sacrificed their lives trying to fend off 5,000 Mexican troops under the command of Gen. Lopez Antonio de Santa Anna. While this fight for the Independence of Texas from Mexican domination was lost, the rallying cries of "Remember the Alamo!" spurred General Sam Houston's volunteer militia to defeat Santa Anna's army on April 21, 1836, at the Battle of San Jacinto.

Mission San Jose y San Miguel de Aguayo

A visit to the Alamo Shrine, Texas' most visited landmark, is an absolute "must." There are docents on duty who regularly give talks to explain the Alamo's fascinating history. You may pick up a free brochure at the front desk and read the interesting "wall of history" just outside the rear exit of the chapel. See the long barracks museum and visit the Daughters of the Republic of Texas' gift shop and museum as well. Admission is free, but donations, the only source of income to keep the Alamo open, are certainly welcomed. Photographs are not allowed within the interior of the chapel.

Mission San Jose y San Miguel de Aguayo

Four Missions

The other four Spanish missions are located along the Mission Road parkway in the south side of San Antonio. There are Missions Nuestra Senora de la Purismo Concepcion, San Francisco de Espada and San Juan de Capistrano, all built in 1731. The largest, best restored and most complete mission, located at 6701 San Jose Drive, is Mission San Jose y San Miguel de Aguayo, founded in 1720 by Father Antonio Jesus de Margil, a dedicated Franciscan missionary.

All four of these missions are parish churches where regular masses are conducted. At San Jose, there is an attractive Visitors Center and museum just outside the mission walls, maintained by the National Park Service. An interesting film is presented every half-hour beginning at 9 a.m. daily. We recommend you view the film before visiting the mission. Well-versed volunteer docents, as well as National Park Rangers, will be glad to answer your questions or accompany you on a tour of the premises, where you will see the fine old mission chapel, the Indian family dwellings, the granary and the grist mill.

All of the missions, each with its own unique character, are open daily, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with no charge for admission. Public transportation is available to San Jose, and there are numerous commercial tour companies that take visitors to see the missions if you do not have your own transportation. The friendly folks at the San Antonio Visitors Center at 317 Alamo Plaza, across the street from the Alamo, will be glad to help you plan your visit to the missions.

Mission San Juan de Capistrano

Mission San Antonio de Valero (The Alamo)

300 Alamo Plaza

210-225-1391

Mon.-Sat., 9a.m.-5:30p.m.

Sun., 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m.

Mission San Francisco de Espada

10040 Espada Road

Mission San Juan de Capistrano

9101 Graf Road

Mission Nuestra Senora de Concepcion

807 Mission Road

Mission San Jose y San Miguel de Aguayo

6701 San Jose Drive

For hours, call National Park Headquarters:

210-534-8833

All Free