In the 18th century, the Spanish crown extended itself into the New World to colonize the territory as its own. Franciscans settled in San Antonio, charged with converting the native peoples to Catholicism and teaching them to be loyal productive subjects of Spain. To do this, they established missions. More than Catholic churches, missions were farms and ranches, educational centers, and the economic lifeblood of the Spanish colony.
The Missions of San José, Concepción, San Antonio de Valero (the Alamo), San Francisco de la Espada, and San Juan Capistrano are historically and architecturally significant structures that shaped San Antonio into the city it is today. They also shaped the lives of countless Native Americans, Spanish, and Mexicans.
Find out more about each mission below.
Copyright (c) 2011 by City of San Antonio. Any party wishing to reproduce content displayed on this website must obtain the express written permission of the San Antonio Convention and Visitors Bureau. Phone: (800) 447-3372