National Register Listing

Mission Concepcion

a.k.a. Mission Nuestra Senora de la Purisima Concepcion de Acuna

807 Mission Rd., San Antonio, TX

The church is still used as an active church, and is open to visitors.

In 1727 the friars of the college of Queretaro decided to move their three missions that had been founded in 1716 in east Texas to San Antonio, where a fresh supply of Indians was available, with soldiers to keep them in line. On March 5, 1731 the missions of Concepcion, San Francisco de la Espada, and San Juan Capistrano were established close to the town, the closest,Concepcion being less than three miles away, and each was given a huge grant of land. The Indians that were converted nearly all died of the white man's diseases, and in addition suffered frequent attacks from hostile Apaches. 792 Indians had been baptized in 1762 and 586 had been buried. In 1783 there were 77 living at the mission, in 1792, 53; and in 1805, 41, and in 1819 there were not any. The church took about 20 years to build and was dedicated December 8, 1755. The facade was originally covered with brilliant quatre-foils and squares of red, blue, orange, and yellow. It was entirely abandoned as a church for three-quarters of a century, and as early as 1819. In the late 1840s U.S. troops were stationed there. It was later used as a cattle pen. Not until 1887 was it reopened and dedicated to Our Lady of Lourdes. The mission is maintained in excellent condition. Still used as an active church, it is also open to visitors.
Bibliography
Ramsdell, Charles.San Antonio,a historical and pictorial guide. (Austin,1959)

Texas, A Guide to the Lone Star State (American Guide Series) (New York,1959)

Hallenbeck, Cleve.Spanish Missions of the Old Southwest (N.Y.,1926)

Morrison,Hugh. Early American Architecture (New York,1952)

Newcomb, Rexford. Spanish Colonial Architecture in the U.S.(N.Y., 1939)

Bolton,H.E. Texas in the Middle Eighteenth Century (Berkeley,1915)

Casteneda. C.L. Our Catholic Heritage in Texas (Austin.1939-42)
Local significance of the building:
Architecture; Religion

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1970.

The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.

architecture religion
Texas was once an independent country: After winning its independence from Mexico in 1836, Texas became its own country, known as the Republic of Texas. It existed as an independent nation for nine years before being annexed by the United States in 1845.
Texas random facts
Bexar County, Texas, holds a significant place in the history of the Lone Star State. Native American tribes thrived in the region for centuries before the arrival of European explorers. In 1718, the Spanish established the Mission San Antonio de Valero, known as the Alamo, which became a symbol of Texas' fight for independence. The area came under Mexican control after Mexico gained independence from Spain in 1821.

During the Texas Revolution in 1836, the Battle of the Alamo took place, where a small group of Texan defenders valiantly fought against Mexican forces. Although the defenders ultimately lost, their bravery and sacrifice galvanized the Texan cause. Soon after, the Republic of Texas was established, and Bexar County was officially created in 1837, named after San Antonio de Béxar.

Bexar County played a vital role in the westward expansion of the United States. It became part of the United States when Texas joined as the 28th state in 1845. The county saw significant growth with the construction of railroads, the establishment of military bases like Fort Sam Houston, and the influx of European immigrants. In 1968, HemisFair '68 brought international attention to the county, showcasing its rich cultural heritage and attracting visitors from around the world. Today, Bexar County is known for its vibrant tourism industry, robust military presence, renowned healthcare institutions, and prestigious educational establishments.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Bexar County, Texas.

  • Pre-19th Century: The region that would become Bexar County was inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Coahuiltecan and Lipan Apache.

  • 1718: The Spanish established the Mission San Antonio de Valero, known today as the Alamo, in what is now downtown San Antonio. This marked the beginning of Spanish colonization in the area.

  • 1821: Mexico gained independence from Spain, and the region came under Mexican control.

  • 1836: The Battle of the Alamo took place during the Texas Revolution, where a small group of Texan defenders fought against Mexican forces. Though the defenders were ultimately defeated, their resistance became a symbol of Texas independence.

  • 1837: The Republic of Texas officially established Bexar County, naming it after San Antonio de Béxar, the former Spanish name for the area.

  • 1845: Texas joined the United States as the 28th state.

  • 1861-1865: During the American Civil War, Bexar County remained part of the Confederacy.

  • Late 19th-early 20th century: The county saw growth and development with the expansion of railroads, the establishment of military bases like Fort Sam Houston, and the arrival of European immigrants.

  • 1968: HemisFair '68, a world's fair, was held in San Antonio, bringing national and international attention to the city and the county.