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The legacy and history of San Antonio and this region began with a simple ceremony when...

in 1718 Franciscans and Spanish representatives established the first mission. Within 13 years, five were located along the San Antonio River. The missions’ purpose? To acculturate and Christianize the native population and make them Spanish citizens. Today, visitors can retrace the footsteps of the mission Indians and friars. And, possibly, meet descendants of those first inhabitants.


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Reading Rally Day

Mission Branch Library Reading Rally

Saturday, May 1, 9:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Mission San José

Join the San Antonio Library on the grounds of Mission San José to celebrate the start of construction on the new Mission Branch Library, being built right next door! Get your library card so you're ready when the new library opens! Visit the Scholastic Literacy Caravan and the San Antonio Public Library Bookmobile! And don't miss a special concert by José Luís Orozco at 10:00 a.m.!

 
Park Boundary Study

Park Boundary Study and Land Protection Plan

The National Park Service (NPS), San Antonio Missions National Historical Park, is conducting a boundary study and developing a land protection plan for areas outside of the park's current boundary. San Antonio Missions NHP preserves four missions and some of their associated lands, representing the largest collection of Spanish colonial resources in the country. The need for this study and plan has been identified in cooperation with state and local agencies as well as multiple other stakeholders. Public input is requested.
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Concepción Church has undergone 8 months of preservation.

Fresco Preservation at Mission Concepción

The church at Mission Concepción is now open after six months of extensive preservation. Detailed work to preserve the historic 1750s frescos uncovered a new color - green. Also discovered were that the walls were not white, but rather a sunny cream color. Similar frescos can be found in the convento (priest's residence). Visit the Old Spanish Missions, Inc. website to see more photographs.
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Mission Reach Ecosystem Restoration and Recreation Project

Mission Reach Ecosystem Restoration and Recreation Project

This project, under the direction of the San Antonio River Authority and partnering with the city, county, state, and U.S. Corps of Engineers, is transforming an 8 mile stretch of the San Antonio River into a quality riparian woodland ecosystem. While it will take many years, the result will allow park visitors to see how the river may have looked 250 years ago at the height of the mission period.
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Write to

San Antonio Missions National Historical Park
2202 Roosevelt Avenue
San Antonio, Texas 78210

Phone

Visitor Center
(210) 932-1001

Headquarters
(210) 534-8833

Fax

(210) 534-1106

Climate

From April through October be prepared for hot, humid weather. Wear a hat, use sun screen liberally and often, and drink plenty of water.

In November through March, weather is more temperate, and sometimes chilly.
Communities Surrounding San Antonio Missions National Historical Park
Note: The times listed below are approximate driving times to the park.
San Antonio, TX (13 min. ) Pop. 1,144,646
Elmendorf, TX (18 min. ) Pop. 664
Von Ormy, TX (19 min. )
Adkins, TX (21 min. )
Converse, TX (22 min. ) Pop. 11,508
Somerset, TX (22 min. ) Pop. 1,550
Macdona, TX (23 min. )
Atascosa, TX (27 min. ) Pop. 38,628
Saint Hedwig, TX (27 min. )
Universal City, TX (27 min. ) Pop. 14,849