One Of The Oldest Places In America Is Right Here In Texas And Its History Is Fascinating
San Antonio is best known for the iconic River Walk, but there is another attraction in town that deserves just as much recognition. One of the most historic places in Texas, San Antonio Missions National Historic Park is the only UNESCO World Heritage Site in Texas. The park protects four 18th-century Spanish missions that remain in strikingly good condition despite their age. A visit here offers an unparalleled cultural experience that everyone should have at least once in their lifetime.
If you are even remotely interested in Texas history, consider planning a trip to the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park. The only UNESCO World Heritage Site in Texas, this remarkable place dates to the early 1700s, protecting and preserving four important 18th-century missions.
The missions are situated along an approximately 10-mile hike and bike trail, which features pedestrian bridges, benches, and pavilions that allow visitors to explore at their own pace. The Alamo can also be reached along this trail.
You'll see Mission Concepción, Mission San José, Mission San Juan Capistrano, and Mission Espada. Mission Espada is the oldest of the four, first established as San Francisco de los Tejas near the town of Augusta in 1690.
Adjacent to Mission San José is the park's Visitor Center, which is a great place to begin your visit. From here, you can embark on a ranger-led walk - held at 10 a.m. and 11 a.m. daily - for an in-depth understanding of not only this particular mission but the key role the entire city of San Antonio played in the history of the Lone Star State.
Having stood the test of time - some restored, some not - the missions each offer their own unique experience. You'll learn so much, including how the indigenous people of South Texas lived before and after Spanish colonization of the region. Regular events and live demonstrations are held to add even more realism and authenticity.
The missions still have active churches, with Sunday Mass held regularly at Mission Concepción, which happens to be the oldest unrestored stone church in America.
All of the missions are listed on the National Register of Historic Places, as well as the
Espada Acequia, or Piedras Creek Aqueduct. This irrigation system was built in 1731 to supply water to the lands near Mission Espada, and the incredible feat of civil engineering is still used by area residents today.
Admission to the park is free for all ages. Visitors can either drive, walk, paddle, bike, or ride the bus between the missions. For more information about San Antonio Missions National Historic Park, including current hours of operation, details regarding guided tours, and anything else you may need to know, please visit the National Park Service website.
Have you ever visited this incredible place? If so, we’d love to hear all about your experience in the comments! Don’t forget to check out our previous article to learn the haunted history behind San Antonio’s most famous mission, The Alamo, which actually isn’t located in San Antonio Missions National Historic Park (it’s just down the street).
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
Address: San Antonio Missions National Historical Park, 6701 San Jose Dr, San Antonio, TX 78214, USA
Katie Lawrence is a Southeast Texas native who graduated 18th in her high school class with a GPA of 4.25. She attended college in the Houston area and changed her major twice (psychology, computer science, and finally criminal justice) before taking a leap of faith and dropping out to pursue a career in freelance writing.
Today, Katie writes for the Texas and Arizona pages of OnlyInYourState.com and has never been more passionate about a job before. Outside of work, you can likely find her curled up on the sofa with a hot cup of coffee, watching a crime TV show or scary movie.
