Man On a Mission
San Antonio’s Mission Trail highlights the city’s 5 Spanish Missions. These missions were established in the 1700s by the Spanish crown with coordination of the Catholic church. The mission was to convert Native Americans to Christianity. Through mission life, the indigenous people were taught the ideas of Spanish citizenship which included conversion to Catholicism.
The Missions are located on either side of the San Antonio River one within 3 miles of the next. They are a crucial piece of Texas history. The missions’ farms, ranchlands, and acequias (irrigation systems) brought indigenous people and people from Spain to claim the land.
Mission San Antonio de Valero (The Alamo)
The struggles to claim the land came to a boiling point at the most famous of the missions; the Mission San Antonio de Valero. Better known as the Alamo. For 13 days, Mexico’s Army of thousands, led by Santa Anna, seized the Mission eventually killing the approximate 200 Texan settlers that had held up there. Of the most famous casualties, were the knife making pioneer, Jim Bowie of Kentucky, and frontiersman Davy Crockett of Tennessee.
Santa Anna was merciless as his men slaughtered the greatly outnumbered Texans. Though few in numbers the 200 Texans killed over 1,500 of Santa Anna’s troops before it was all over.
While Santa Anna held San Antonio, Sam Houston was plotting to take it back. 6 weeks later Santa Anna met his waterloo as Houston’s troops seeking revenge ravaged the Mexican troops under the rallying cry “Remember the Alamo!” Thus winning Texas its independence.
I get the feeling the mission is hallowed ground for most Texans. I am surprised to find the Alamo in the heart of the city’s downtown. Despite being nestled amongst the skyscrapers and hustle and bustle of a city of 1.5 million people there is a deep sense of reverence when inside and photos are not allowed.
Mission Concepcion –
The Mission was established in 1731 and looks much as it did back then. Once adorned with colorful geometric designs, they are mostly faded now.
Mission San Jose
Founded by Fray Antonio Margel in 1720, the Mission San Jose was the best known at the time. It was a model organization and a major social center. Praised for its architecture and rich fields and pasture become known as the “Queen of the Missions.
Mission Espada
Founded in 1690 the Mission Espada is the oldest East Texas Mission it moved to San Antonio in 1731. This Mission is the furthermost down the Mission Trail and away from the town’s center and I find it very serene and charming.
Mission San Juan
Originally founded in 1716 in eastern Texas, Mission San Juan was transferred in 1731 to its present location. In 1756, the stone church, a friary, and a granary were completed. The building is a bit nondescript but the bells are iconic.
Mission Accomplished
I envision the Alamo being this massive fort-like structure in the sun-baked desert. It surprises me that it’s in the heart of the city. It surprises me even more that there are no admission fees for any of the missions. The grounds at the Missions: San Juan, Jose, Concepcion, and Espada are spacious with adequate room for picnicking, lounging and reflecting. I found the Mission Espada to be the most quaint and peaceful.
San Antonio Mission Trail Travel Tips.
- Unless you want to see numerous antique knives and guns, skip the highly advertised Battle of Texas at the RiverCenter and save $20. You can learn more by watching the free film in the Long Barrack at the actual Alamo;
- The Alamo is obviously a busy place; if you want photo’s free from vendors and visitors, drop by around 7 am;
- The grounds at the Missions: San Juan, Jose, Concepcion, and Espada are spacious with adequate room for picnicking, lounging and reflecting. I found the Espada to be the most quaint and peaceful.
Transportation / Parking
By Car –
The missions are easily accessible by car with plenty of parking. The Alamo is the only exception. Its downtown location will require street or parking garage parking. Highly consider taking a bus or bike.
By Bike –
The Mission Trail is about a 20-mile loop. Antonio has a nice bike-sharing program. The use of bikes does require membership $12 daily or $18per month. With this fee, you’re entitled to unlimited bike use. The only caveat is that it has to be docked at one of the dozens of racks every hour. You can check out another bike or incur additional fees if going beyond an hour. Check out the latest terms and conditions at SWell Cycle.
By Bus –
The local public transportation system, Viva, offers a Missions route (Route 40). An all-day pass is $2.75 and the buses run the 20-mile loop every 20-25 minutes. Tickets and route schedules can be found at Viva Missions. A mobile app can also be found VIA goMobile.
Mission Locations & Hours
Mission San Antonio De Valero, The Alamo – 300 Alamo Plaza (9:00-7:00) Closes at 5:30 Labor-Memorial days
Mission Concepcion – 807 Mission Road (9:00-7:00)
Mission San Jose‘ (Visitor Center) – 6701 San Jose Drive (9:00-7:00)
Mission San Juan – 9101 Graf Road (10:00-7:00)
Mission Espada – 10040 Espada Road (10:00-7:00)
When not on the road, he helps others fulfill their yearning to travel as a Membership Specialist for Thousand Trails.
Another interesting and well done vignette!!
Go CRAIG!
You are so lucky to be experiencing all this, learning more about the United States and it’s history. Thanks for sharing and helping with my education too. I have always said there is so much more of the United States to see and you are proving that in spades! I’m sure Murphy is reading a lot of ‘pee mail’ along the way too 🙂