San Antonio Missions

Spain established a chain of missions along the San Antonio River in the 1700's.  They were trying to influence the Spanish way of life in the area.  Spanish Franciscan's were sent to run the missions.  Their task was to educate the local people (Coahuiltecans - American Indians living in south Texas and northern Mexico) about the Catholic faith and also teach them how grow their own food.  Till this time the local Indians moved by the seasons in search of food. Each mission served as a learning place and they lived together in a communal setting.  At first there were no exterior walls but as conflicts between the French, Comanche & Apache raiders, etc. stone walls were built. These missions flourished between 1747 - 1775.  By 1824, the missions had served their purpose and were secularized.  Congress created the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park in 1978
Of course the "world" known mission is the Alamo (Mission San Antonio de Valero). 

"THE ALAMO" - The main structure of the church still stands but the interior has been gutted.  The Alamo went from a mission to a fort, stood idle for many years before it was restored.  No photography was allowed on the inside of any buildings.
This was the 1st Spanish Mission established along the San Antonio River between 1718 - 1731.  On 2/23/1836 General Santa Anna (Mexico) launched an attack on the Alamo.  It lasted 13 days resulting in all the men defending the Alamo  killed, such heroes as David Crockett & Jim Bowie.  Santa Anna forces numbered in the thousands while there were less than 200 in the Alamo.

Monument outside the Alamo remembering those who lost there lives.

Six Flags of Texas:  Spain , France , Mexico, Republic of Texas, Confederate States of America, & US

This Oak tree was planted in 1912 and was about 40 years old.  It still stands within the Alamo courtyard and measures 12' at its trunk.

This is the remains of the barracks area.  Now houses a museum.

This mission (1731) served as the headquarters for several Texas missions, it housed the Father President's Office

Weekly services are still held.

Art work within the building shows a blending of Christian, Spanish & Native art elements.  Excessive restoring was done in 1988.

Fray Antonio Margil de Jesus founded this mission in 1720.  San Jose was the model mission and served as the major social center. The mission operated 104 years and baptized over 2000 Indians.

The Convento provided residence for missionary and lodging for visitors.

This is beautiful!

Exterior masonry is outstanding 

Inside the walls was open area for growing crops and living

"Rose Window" is known as the premier example of Spanish Colonial ornamentation in the US.  Its significance continues to be a mystery.  Maybe it was named after the first saint of the new world, Saint Rose of Lima. 

Established in 1731, its fertile farmland and pastures would soon make it a regional supplier of produce. Outside the walls grew peaches, melons, pumpkins, grapes & peppers. Irrigated fields produced corn, beans, sweet potatoes, squash & sugar cane.

This mission's name dates back to 1690 when Spain founded a mission in eastern Texas to buffer against French encroachment from Louisiana.  Locations were moved due to enemies and limited supplies until this location was established in 1731.

Ladrillos - bricks the size & shape of Roman bricks. 

1716 - 1773 - 1033 people were baptized in the church 

Espada was known as "the Goat Ranch".  In 1762 records show it had 1262 head of cattle, 4000 sheep/goats, 145 saddle horses, 11 droves of mares, & 9 donkeys.  Its economy thrived the livestock trade.  

Big Bend NP II

Ventured to Santa Elena Canyon (far western side) and Rio Grande Village (eastern side) areas in the park on two different days.  Distance between the areas are about 65 miles via paved roads!

Santa Elena Canyon - Mountain range is in Mexico and rises 1500 ft.  This is Trump's wall that Mexico will pay to build!!!!

"The Rio Grande River" flows at the base of the mountain. 

Canyon entrance 

Looking east from the canyon entrance, Rio Grande.  The Rio Grande has been tamed over the years with numerous dams along its long flow. 

Kayaker on the river.  We also spotted alligators in the river but could not get a good picture.  Hope this guy doesn't flip!!!

Rio Grande has carved this canyon over the years, length of canyon is over 8 miles long

Emory Peak (left), South Rim (center) & Elephant Tusk right

Heading to Rio Grande Village early in the morning to beat the heat!  Watching the sun rise as we drive east!

Sun hitting Pummel Peak with the moon as a backdrop

Pictographs in the Hot Springs area 

Hot Springs @ 105 deg F.

This was once a grocery store, post office in the Hot Spring area

Tunnel heading into Hot Springs area

Looking at Mexico - peak is El Pico to its right is Sierra del Carmen, Mexico

Boquillas, Mexico in the valley to the left

Rio Grande Village, US in the valley to the right

Entering Boquillas Canyon where you walk along the Rio Grande with Mexico across the river.

Sand dune in the background, wash off of the sand stone.

Someone with a-lot of energy to climb the sand dune

Blue Bonnet, TX state flower.

Across the river a local rode his donkey to his camp!

Local Mexican camp!

Good look at the valley and the Rio Grande

Horseback riders from Mexico

Big Bend has witnessed many changes during the past 70 million years. Compressed stream-beds of shales and flagstones reveal the types of pre-historic life evidence that was present in the area.  Animals include 70 million year dinosaurs.  The park is building a new fossil display.