San Antonio Missions

San Antonio Missions National Historical Park preserves four of the five Spanish frontier missions in San Antonio, Texas. From north to south the missions are Mission Concepción, Mission San Jose, Mission San Juan, and Mission Espada. The Espada Aqueduct, also part of the Park, is due east of Mission San Juan, across the river. The fifth (and best known) mission in San Antonio, the Alamo, is not part of the Park. These outposts were established by Catholic religious orders to spread Christianity among the local natives. These missions formed part of a colonization system that stretched across the Spanish Southwest in the 17th and 18th centuries. They were also intended to serve as a buffer against encroachment by French and other colonists into Spanish territory. Visitors can explore the lush gardens and learn about the fascinating history of these important landmarks.