Spanish Colonial Missions: A Lasting Foundation for the Lone Star State

Spanish missions are among the most striking and evocative historical sites to visit for anyone traveling across Texas.

Story and photos by Gerald McLeod, retired TCDRS Communications Manager

Between 1682 and 1793, Spain established 26 missions in what eventually became Texas. These far-flung outposts established Spain’s toehold in the region. Visiting these missions is like stepping back in time.

Exterior of the Alamo mission.

The most successful of these colonies were the Alamo and four other missions around San Antonio. Originally called San Antonio de Valero Mission, the Alamo was established in 1718. Construction of the current chapel began in 1758 but was never completed. In recent years, the plaza around the 1836 battle site has expanded with exhibits telling the story of the mission.

Left: Mission San Jose. Right: Mission Espíritu Santo.

Missions Concepción, San José, San Juan, and Espada joined the National Parks System as a National Historic Park in 1978. The missions along the San Antonio River were designated in 2015 as the first UNESCO World Heritage Site in Texas. The four still serve as parish churches and are open to visitors during park hours.

Southwest of San Antonio about 90 miles, Mission Espíritu Santo was established in 1749 at Goliad. The Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) reconstructed the mission to appear as it did in 1783. It became a state park in 1949. Across the river is Presidio La Bahia, one of the best-preserved Spanish forts in the world.

Left: Mission Tejas. Right: Ysleta Mission Church.

Mission Tejas was the first Spanish outpost in East Texas. Founded in 1690, the mission only lasted three years before being abandoned. The mission was moved to San Antonio where it became Mission Espada. The CCC reconstructed the church in what is now Mission Tejas State Park.

The El Paso County Mission Trail (www.epcounty.com/missiontrail) offers travelers a path to some of the oldest churches in the U.S. The communities of Ysleta, Socorro, and San Elizario grew around missions founded by the Spanish after the Pueblo Revolt of 1680 in New Mexico. Still active churches, the former missions welcome visitors on weekdays.

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