San Antonio Missions National Historical Park

Besides the Alamo, the Spanish constructed other missions in San Antonio to convert the Indians to Catholicism and to stake a claim on the lands to which Spain's rival France was showing little interest. Each of the San Antonio missions sprang up near the river, which supplied water by means of an acequia or aqueduct for drinking and crop irrigation.

While the Alamo is fascinating for its historic story, visiting the missions park is a better way to get a picture of historic use of these forts. Once these missions covered many acres, land that was irrigated with an acequia or aqueduct fed by the San Antonio River. Today one historic purpose of each mission, from religious to agricultural, is showcased at each mission.

When planning your visit, remember that these are active parish churches (unlike the Alamo). Services are conducted every Sunday, and respectful visitors are welcome. Mission San Juan has a Mariachi Mass every Sunday at noon; it is very popular with visitors.

The Mission Trail

The chain of 17th century structures begins at Mission Concepcion, a site that today illustrates religious life in the missions. This site is tucked into a residential neighborhood, a quiet place far different from the bustling Alamo area. Concepción (pronounced "con-cep-see-OWN") was moved here in 1730. Its full name is a mouthful: Mission of Nuestra Señora de la Purisma Concepción de Acuna.

Mission San Jose was once called the "Queen of the Texas Missions" and is used for a weekly Mariachi Mass, a festive service which welcomes any denomination.

Mission San Juan Capistrano, once completely self-sustaining, today illustrates "The Mission as a Economic Center."

Mission Espada recalls vocational education at the missions through exhibits.

Directions:

Getting to the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park can be a little tricky (even the National Park Service brochure warns that "the route that connects the four missions can be confusing for visitors"). The way is marked with brown park signs, but it twists and turns between residential neighborhoods and parks. Further, during heavy rains, two low-water crossings are closed, necessitating an alternate route. The free brochure from the National Park Service outlines both the traditional Mission Trail as well as alternate routes to take during inclement weather.

To reach Mission Concepción, the first stop for most travelers, travel south on South St. Mary's; the road turns into Roosevelt Avenue. Turn right on Lone Star Boulevard and continue to Mission Road. Mission Concepción is located south of the I-10 overpass.

The drive from downtown to the Mission Concepción takes about 15 minutes.