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san antonio missions baseball team

The Five Spanish Missions of Old San Antonio
A chain of five missions established along the San Antonio River in the 18th century became the largest concentration of Catholic missions in North America. Built primarily to expand Spanish New World influence northward from Mexico, the missions also served to introduce native inhabitants into Spanish society.

Four of the missions (San Jose, San Juan, Concepcion, and Espada) were originally founded in East Texas. As the East Texas missions succumbed to drought, malaria, and French incursions, however, they were relocated to San Antonio.

The missions flourished during the middle of the 18th century, but later declined due to inadequate military support, disease, and increased hostilities with Apaches and Comanches.

The Alamo (1718)

The first and today the most widely known of these missions was San Antonio de Valero, commonly called the Alamo. It was established in 1718 as a way station between missions already existing in East Texas and other base missions in Mexico. It was well over 100 years old when it became the focal point for the Battle of the Alamo, fought March 6, 1836. The Alamo will always be remembered and associated with that battle.

San Jose (1720)

Soon after the building of the Alamo, a second mission was founded in 1720 about five miles downstream. Named San Jose, this new mission was established by Fray Antonio Margil de Jesus, who had previously left a failed mission in East Texas. A model among the Texas missions, San Jose gained a reputation as a major social and cultural center. Among the San Antonio missions, it also provided the strongest garrison against raids from Indians.

San Juan (1731)

First established in East Texas, mission San Juan Capistrano made its permanent home on the banks of the San Antonio River in 1731. Within a short time, the mission became a regional supplier of agricultural and other products including iron, wood, cloth, and leather goods produced by the Indians in its workshops. A few miles southeast of the mission was Rancho Pataguilla, which in 1762 reported 3,500 sheep and nearly as many cattle.

Concepcion (1731)

One of the most attractive of the San Antonio missions, the church at Concepcion looks essentially as it did more than 200 years ago, when it stood at the center of local religious activity. The mission was well known for its religious celebrations. Not visible today are the colorful geometric designs that originally covered the exterior surface of the mission. Inside, however, are original paintings of religious symbols and architectural designs.

Espada (1731)

Mission San Francisco de la Espada, like its sister missions San Jose, San Juan, and Concepcion, had its beginnings in East Texas. Originally named San Francisco de los Tejas, Espada was renamed and relocated to San Antonio in 1731. It is the southernmost of the chain of missions located on the San Antonio River. Mission Espada features a very attractive chapel, along with an unusual door and stone entrance archway.

HemisFair Park
HemisFair Park was built to host the 1968 World's Fair. The Fifteen (15) acre park features cascading waterfalls and fountains, lushly landscaped areas, historic buildings, children's playground, and the world Famous San Antonio landmark "The Tower of the Americas". In addition to the Tower of the Americas, shops and relaxing water features it is also home to the Universidad Nacional Autonoma de México, Instítuto de México and the Institute of Texan Cultures, which offers year-round exhibits on the history and people of the Lone Star state and sponsors the popular Texas Folklife Festival each year. HemisFair Park is located in downtown San Antonio adjacent to the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center. Parking is available off of Bowie Street.

Hey Ese...with all the beautiful pics and info you provided...I am convinced that you should host the next Mingle Meet in San Antonio...perhaps rent a tour bus and you can be our tour guide?

try a different state say ummmmmm New York

get thee behind me woman. them there is fightin' words. this is a san antonio thread made by a genuine san antonian for everyone else to envy

I got 4th of July weekend off Maureen what about you? They say we go visit Ese

ROAD TRIP!!!! Sounds good to me!

jgirl, did you put your paisano up to posting about new york on this thread

Ummm No.....all my paisanos stay on their own turf ...BTW thats Former-Paisanos....I am here long enough to say I am an official Texan...
So...are you up for company on the weekend of the 4th? Carol and I could easily come down there and bring sunshine into your world

excuse me...I never said I was going

Sorry SUNSHINE...Are ya up for a road trip? It wouldn't be a mingle meet without ya..