San Antonio Missions

The Alamo is the icon of the old Spanish missions in San Antonio. However, there are 4 other missons, built around the same time, which still stand. Each mission is unique, with it's own character.
The Alamo - Originally named Mission San Antonio de Valero, the Alamo served as home to missionaries and their Indian converts for nearly seventy years. Construction began on the present site in 1724. In 1793, Spanish officials secularized San Antonio's five missions and distributed their lands to remaining Indian residents. These men and women continued to farm the fields, once the mission's but now their own, and participated in the growing community of San Antonio.
Mission San Jose - Mission San Jose y San Miguel de Aguayo
Known as the "Queen of the Missions," this is the largest of the missions and was almost fully restored to its original design in the 1930s by the WPA (Works Projects Administration). Spanish missions were not churches, but communities, with the church the focus. Mission San Jose shows the visitor how all the missions might have looked over 250 years ago. Mission San Jose is an active parish. Visitors are welcome to attend mass on Sundays.
Mission San Juan - Mission San Juan Capistrano
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. A larger church was begun, but was abandoned when half complete, the result of population decline.
Mission Concepcion - Mission Nuestra Senora de la Purisima Concepcion de Acuna

This handsome stone church was dedicated in 1755, and appears very much as it did over two centuries ago. It stands proudly as the oldest unrestored stone church in America. This handsome stone church took about 20 years to build. It appears very much as it did over two centuries ago. Due to the fact that it was built directly on bedrock, it never lost its roof, or its integrity. It remains the least restored of the colonial structures within the Park.
Mission Espada - Mission San Francisco de la Espada
Founded in 1690 as San Francisco de los Tejas near present-day Weches, Texas, this was the first mission in Texas. In 1731, the mission transferred to the San Antonio River area and renamed Mission San Francisco de la Espada. A friary was built in 1745, and the church was completed in 1756.
Should you desire more information on the missions, an Internet search will reveal volumes.