Nestled into San Antonio rests the remains of an emperial power that influenced the American Southwest. Many flock to see one particular mission that stands as a symbol of resilience, and to see where the great frontiers men gave their life to face this emperial power head on. The San Antonio Missions National Historical Park was established as a park in 1978, the park holds four missions: The Alamo (Mission San Antonio de Valero), Mission Nuestra Senora de la Purísima Concepción de Acuña,, Mission San José y San Miguel de Aguayo, Mission San Juan Capistrano, and Mission San Francisco de la Espada. Established in 1690, Mission Espada is the oldest among the missions of Texas.
Visiting the Missions takes you through the empressario era of Spanish rule, and the endevaours of the Fransiscan development of missions in Texas to convert indigenous groups as well as secure economic stability in the region. The park gained global attention when United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) recognized the missions as a World Heritage site in 2015.
The missions can be accessed by a missions driving tour or a river walk tour, and can be completed in any order. The visitor center is located at Mission San Jose. Visitors can also view remnants of the Acequia at certain points along the tour with sections still in use today. The oldest Spanish aqueduct is near Mission Espada and was built in 1745.
The park has an agreement with the Archdiocese of San Antonio allowing each church to continue worship. Times of worship are dependent on each Mission. The park asks visitors to be respectful to parishioners and clergy.
When visiting the park, do be mindful of walkways, ramps, and steps as they can be slippery. Flash floods do occur frequently and when this happens, the trails close south of Mission San Jose. Do not pass barriers announcing water on roads.
For accessibility, visit the park website at www.nps.gov/saan or call the park headquarters at 210-534-8833.
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