San Antonio Missions National Historic Park
Remember the Alamo? Officially the Mission San Antonio de Valero, the Alamo was actually just one of five frontier missions established by the Spanish along the San Antonio River in the 18th century.
Plan Around San Antonio Missions National Historic Park
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San Antonio Missions National Historic Park Details
Remember the Alamo? Officially the Mission San Antonio de Valero, the Alamo was actually just one of five frontier missions established by the Spanish along the San Antonio River in the 18th century. The other four -- Mission Concepcion, Mission San Jose, Mission San Juan Capistrano, and Mission Espada -- comprise the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park. The missions were fortified churches, with the goal of converting Native Americans to Christianity, making them Spanish citizens, and securing Spain's claim to its territory in Texas. Each has a church, living areas, storerooms, and defensive walls; visitors are welcomed into the still-active churches except during special occasions. Mission San Jose is the best restored of the four; it's also the location of the park visitor center. Mission Conception is the oldest unrestored stone church in the U.S. and appears much as it did when built in 1755. Visitors to Mission San Juan Capistrano can follow a short trail to the banks of the San Antonio River to see the restored Espada Aqueduct, which served the missions. The visitor center has an interpretive film, exhibits, and artifacts, and offers ranger-led tours and talks. Established: April 1, 1983 Area: 826 acres Website: [www.nps.gov/saan](http://www.nps.gov/saan/)
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Nearby Parks Around San Antonio Missions National Historic Park
Compare nearby parks around San Antonio Missions National Historic Park when deciding whether to expand the route after this stop.
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