San Antonio Missions National Historical Park Quarter

Established in the 1700s, the San Antonio missions were part of Spanish missions that were built to spread the Catholic faith of the Spanish as well as support the colonial expansion efforts of Spain.

In the 18th century, Spanish priests established five Catholic missions along the San Antonio River. The missions were walled communities that included a church and buildings where priests and local Native Americans lived.

The construction of aqueducts and irrigation canals (acequias) brought water to the missions, sustaining farming and ranching. The missions also had toolmaking, carpentry, looming, spinning, and masonry.

The San Antonio Missions Park includes four of the five missions, including Concepción, San José, San Juan and Espada. The San Antonio missions were among the largest concentration of Spanish missions in North America. They helped create the foundation for the city of San Antonio, Texas.