“There’s a yellow girl in Texas, That I'm going down to see.” unknown
For approximately 14,000 years prior to European contact, Southern Texas was home to allied groups of Native Americans. These indigenous people have become known collectively as the Tāp Pīlam Coahuiltecan Nation and called the Coahuiltecans. They were hunter-gatherers and built their villages near waterways. Spanish conquistador Alonso Álvarez de Pineda, documented as having mapped the Texas coast in 1519, and Spain began to claim the region. The coming of the Spanish was devastating to the native population with the introduction of weapons, European diseases, enslavement, forced assimilation, mandatory migration and conquest. Explorers came seeking gold and shortly after Franciscan missionaries came in search of souls in the 1600s. The explorers left, some of the Franciscans were killed when their message was not well received and most of the original missions were abandoned within fifty years.
LaSalle introduced a French presence into the area in 1684 and in fear of large-scale encroachment two years later Father Damián Massenet and General Alonso de León were sent to seek out and destroy the French. They found only an abandoned fort that they burned to the ground. The Spanish developed a plan to establish a chain of missions, staffed with Franciscans, to develop faithful Spanish, catholic citizens and to impede takeover by other European nations. The Franciscans were mandated to care for the Texas missions and the first friars were dispatched from New Mexico in 1632. Twenty-six missions were founded in Texas and the missionaries brought with them a new culture, different farming methods and introduced cattle into the area.
San Antonio was known by the original inhabitants as Yanaguana, “Land of the Spirit Waters.” The Spanish named it after St. Anthony of Padua because they landed there on June 13, 1691. The city was not formally founded until 1718. #Visitsanantonio
San Antonio Missions National Historical Park, an international destination, was inscribed as a World Heritage Site in 2015. The park consists of 5 colonial missions, Mission Concepcion, Mission San José, Mission San Juan, Mission Espada and Mission San Antonio de Valero, familiarly known as The Alamo. The structures are approximately 2.5-miles apart, to enhance the settlers ability to join forces if attacked, in a chain that stretches along the San Antonio River for 9-miles. UNESCO.org
The unique and permanent significance of the missions is the transmission of cultures among all the ethnicities in the region, language, religion, lifestyle, art, etc. While touring the trail careful note should be taken of the blending of both secular and religious architectural styles.
The Roman Rite Catholic Mission Espada, established in 1731 is the most southern of the missions in the National Park. Gazing at the facade one can see the three mission bells as well as the carved entry door and stone arch. An operational portion of the original irrigation system is on-site. Self-guided tours are available daily with guided tours offered on the first Saturday of each month.
In 1731 Mission San Juan Capistrano was relocated to a location near the San Antonio River. Interred in a cemetery on the grounds are some of the first mission residents. Capistrano grew food and provisioned several missions and communities in Louisiana. A restored Acequia today waters the Spanish Colonial Demonstration Farm and the chapel and bell tower are also in use. The congregation is made up of some direct descendants of the original inhabitants. The paved Yanaguana Trail is a path that meanders through an area resembling that of the 18th-century.
Mission San José is known as the “Queen of the Missions.” Architecturally it has stunning elements, flying buttresses and a Rose Window. The window is believed to have been the creation of Pedro Huizar and is a renowned illustration of Baroque architecture. The mission also displays original Native American accommodations and an outdoor oven.
The oldest extant unrestored stone church in America is the Mission Nuestra Señora de la Purisima Concepción de Acuña. A visit here is like a trip through time. It boasts its original facade and inside there are original frescoes and elements of Moorish architecture. The church was once painted with colored patterns that have long ago faded. It continues to be active.
Mission San Antonio de Valero, popularly known as the Alamo, was founded in 1718 as San Antonio’s first mission. It was relocated to its present site in 1724, secularized in 1793 and was used as military fortress in the 1800s. In 1793 Spanish officials seized San Antonio’s five missions from the church and distributed its lands to local farmers. Later, in the 1800s, the Spanish military stationed the Second Flying Company of San Carlos de Parras, a cavalry unit, there. They named the complex after their village, “Alamo,” meaning “cottonwood.” The Alamo was Immortalized in 1836 when a group of Texas soldiers arrived to defend the Alamo against the Mexican Army. It must be noted that San Antonio and the Alamo were in Mexico, not Texas. TheAlamo.org
Alamo Plaza, once the Alamo’s courtyard, is a complex featuring the church and the Calvary Courtyard, canons, a bronze statue of Susannah and her daughter Angelina Dickinson and The Alamo Cenotaph. The welcome center, canon exhibits, welcome center are also found just outside the Alamo. Susannah and her daughter hid during the battle. They were released at its end to spread the news. The Spirit of Sacrifice, the Alamo Cenotaph, was dedicated in 1940 to honor the fallen defenders.
Start with a free timed entry pass to tour the church and participate in interactive activities. Exhibits interpret the history of the event. The 192-ft. Long Barrack is the oldest structure in the complex and was the site of final retreat for the men. Many died there. It is believed that Davy Crockett was killed just outside the church. At the conclusion of the battle the defenders were cremated by the Mexicans. Later the ashes were collected and placed in a tomb in the rear of San Fernando Cathedral.
Cavalry Courtyard is filled with life-sized bronze sculptures depicting 14 figures from Texas history as part of the Alamo Sculpture Trail. The trail links the Alamo with the Briscoe Art Museum. William Barret Travis and James Bowie were co-commanders. Travis is depicted drawing a line in the sand. Davy Crockett is shown with his rifle Betsy and clad in buckskin.
Hendrick Arnold, a guide, a spy and a mulatto is one of the newer sculptures. He was present at several battles and worked for the Texian Army. He died in 1849 and is buried near the Medina River.
Emily West Morgan, a free mulatto, is credited with delaying General Santa Anna giving Houston time to defeat his forces. Additionally, she divulged information on his whereabouts. Legend has it that she is the “The Yellow Rose of Texas” of song. The addition of her sculpture is also new.
San Antonio participates in the CityPASS program. Visitors can see it all for less. www.citypass.com/san-antonio
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