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When one thinks of the history of Texas they automatically think of the Alamo. Its story plays such a big role in the history of Texas. It is definitely worth the stop on your next trip to San Antonio. However, don’t stop there. If you want to learn about rich Texan culture and explore centuries of interesting history, then you need to make sure to see all the missions of San Antonio. This can be done by way of the San Antonio Mission Trail. The San Antonio Mission Trail is a tour of five missions that were established along the San Antonio River in the 18th century. The trail takes you along an 8 mile path that can either be driven or explored via the bike trail. It was the job of these missions to spread Catholic faith to the Native Americans as well as educate and teach the inhabitants about ranching, economics, agriculture and trading. The Mission Trail will give you a glimpse into that rich history. The San Antonio Mission Trail starts at your first mission, The Alamo. Founded in the early 1700s and originally named Mission San Antonio de Valero, it was the home to missionaries and Indian converts. They lived here peacefully until 1793 when Spanish officials took over the mission and redistributed the lands to all Indian residents. It was these residents who worked the land and started the community of San Antonio. It was here that the famous battle of the Alamo took place during the Texan Revolution. While visiting here, you will find interesting history, see artifacts, explore gardens or visit the Long Barracks Museum and Library. It is a place that is a big part of Texan history and well worth the visit. On the next leg of the San Antonio Mission Trail, you will find that our travel takes you to the Mission Concepción. This is another early 1700s mission which was transferred from its original site. Here, you will find much of the original structures as they were over 200 years ago. You can even see remnants of beautiful colorful designs called Frescos that were original to the structure. There are exhibits which will allow you to wander through the grounds and the buildings all the while imagining the many religious festivals that were held to help teach the Native Americans Christian ideals. The third mission on the Trail is the Mission San Francisco de la Espada. In this expansive mission ground, you will walk back into the 1700s. This mission has a display of its original irrigation system called acequias. This working system brought water from the San Antonio River to water the crops. Part of the irrigation system, the Espada Dam is still used today. Your visit to Mission San Francisco de la Espada is one that will show you some beautiful architecture as well as the hardships of the time. The fourth mission on the trip is the Mission San Jose. This is the largest and most well known of the Texan missions. It was the ideal that all the other missions strived to be. This mission housed nearly 300 people who were able to sustain their lives within the walls of the mission. The entire complex inside the stone walls consists of bastions, a granary, extensive fields and a glorious church. This mission also has the remnants of a irrigation ditch used to water the fields. It is a beautiful mission that has intricate carvings and sculptures. The church still holds services today. This mission is even more impressive than the Alamo. The final mission on your tour is Mission San Juan Capistrano. Located along the banks of the San Antonio River this was another self sustaining mission, although not nearly as large as San Jose. This mission has the more typical look with its three bell tower and metal cross on the roof. Once you get to the end, you should be able to understand the importance of the mission in the history of Texas. You should have a much better appreciation for the hardships and trials that the early settlers of Texas had to endure. And, you should feel at least a little bit hungry after all that walking and exploring history, so head into downtown into one of the many fine San Antonio restaurants and enjoy a great Texan meal.
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Tymon Hytem is a native Texan who has lived in the Texas Hill Country his entire life. He is knowledgeable about the lifestyles, foods and travel destinations of Texas. You can find some more information on Texas restaurants, destinations and attractions that you do not want to miss by visiting Austin Restaurants and San Antonio Restaurants .
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