In the 18th century, Spain established in Texas the greatest
concentration of Catholic missions in North America. Missions
were established in East Texas, along the San Antonio River,
and El Paso. Many of the missions today have been restored
and are still active parishes. The most famous mission is
the Alamo. All photos taken by the Webmaster.
EAST TEXAS (near San Augustine)
Mission Nuestra Senora de los Dolores (Our Lady of Sorrows Mission)
One of the earliest Spanish missions in Texas was built in 1717 and
is long gone now. A museum is on the site (listed in the National
Register of Historic Places).
EAST TEXAS (near Weches)
Mission San Francisco de los Tejas - first Spanish mission in East
Texas, built in 1690 and moved to San Antonio in 1731. The mission
is long gone but the Civilian Conservation Corps built the above log
chapel in the 1930s.
EL PASO
Some Spanish missions in El Paso are older than the better-known
missions of California.
Mission Ysleta was built in 1851 and still serves the people of Ysleta.
Mission Corpus Christi De La Isleta dates from 1681 (Texas' oldest
mission).
Misssion Ysleta del Sur Pueblo
Mission Socorro (Mission Nuestra Senora de la Concepcion del Socorro)
was established in 1682 and still used as a church.
Mission San Elizario started in 1777.
GOLIAD
Mission Espiritu Santo
Spanish explorers built this mission in Goliad near the San
Antonio River in 1749. Nearby is the fort Presidio La Bahia
(below). These historical jewels now sits in the 2,208-acre
Goliad State Historical Park.
SAN ANTONIO
Mission San Antonio de Valero (The Alamo)
This mission was established in 1718. The Battle of the Alamo
was fought here in March of 1836. Texas shrine since the war
for Texas independence. Most popular attraction in San Antonio.
Mission Concepción
This mission was moved to it's present location in 1731. Inside
are the original paintings of religious symbols and architectural
designs. It is an active parish of the Catholic church today
Mission San José
The largest, most impressive and best preserved of the five
missions of San Antonio. It was founded in 1720 and is an
active parish of the Catholic church today.
Mission San Juan
This mission moved from East Texas in 1731. It is active
parish of the Catholic church today.
Mission Espada
Another mission relocated to San Antonio in 1731 from East Texas.
It is an active parish of the Catholic church today.
Old Spanish Missions in Texas