Places

Acequia systems began with a dam that would raise the water level. The dam diverted water from the San Antonio river and forced it into hand dug earthen ditches that carried the water to farms around the missions. Eventually emptying back into the San Antonio River. The Espada Dam still diverts water from the river into the Espada acequia system, the oldest continually used acequia system in San Antonio.

The Espada Aqueduct is the oldest Spanish aqueduct in the United States. The aqueduct carries water over Six-mile creek (historically piedras creek) connecting the ditches.

Mission Espada was the first mission in Texas, founded in 1690 as San Francisco de los Tejas near present-day Weches, Texas. In 1731, the mission was relocated to the San Antonio River area and renamed Mission San Francisco de la Espada. Explore the mission grounds, church, and museum.

Originally founded in 1716 in eastern Texas, Mission Concepcion was relocated to the present site in 1731. The thick weathered church and convento (priest’s residence) walls and roofs of Mission Concepcion still stand tall 250 years later making the church one of the oldest unrestored stone churches in the United States.

This beautiful mural, located at the corner of SE Military Drive and Mission Parkway in San Antonio, intertwines elements of local bird species and humans' connection with this historic site.

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Access the San Antonio River Hike & Bike Trail from Mission San Jose via the East Pyron Drive Trailhead. The San Antonio River Hike & Bike Trail connects all 5 missions in San Antonio along a beautiful stretch of waterways, native plants, and wildlife. Hike or bike along this trail and stop at each mission site, or travel straight down to the southernmost mission site, Mission Espada, approx 5 miles from this trailhead.

Originally founded in 1716 in eastern Texas, Mission San Juan was relocated in 1731 to its present location along the banks of the San Antonio River. You can walk the mission grounds, visit the museum, hike the Yanaguana trail, and visit the historical farm and acequia system.

The gristmill at Mission San Jose was the first gristmill in Texas.

Rancho de las Cabras is a protected prairie in Floresville, Texas, where archeological ruins remain from one of the first ranches in Texas. This Spanish colonial ranch was the ranch associated with Mission San Francisco de la Espada, the most southern San Antonio Mission.