National Register Listing

San Antonio Missions National Historical Park

a.k.a. See Also:Yturri-Edmunds House

Mission and Espada Rds. and San Jose Dr., San Antonio, TX
The San Antonio missions were a major part of the Spanish colonial system for the establishment and management of its defensive and settlement frontier in the American Southwest. This frontier had significant and far-reaching effects on the development of the United States both politically and culturally, effects which are continuing today. The missions were directly involved in the military, religious, and cultural development of the Texas frontier, and they influenced policy-making in these areas across the entire Southwest. Their impact upon the development of the American cattle industry was pronounced. Their contribution to agriculture and commerce was of critical importance to the development of the state of Texas and to the San Antonio region. The structures themselves constitute a unique record of the architecture, art, and sculpture of the Spanish colonial period in Texas. This record has had a substantive influence on the study of the history of architecture and decorative arts in the American Southwest. Archival collections of the Mission documents offer unlimited opportunities for historical studies on the topics of acculturation, culture change, comparative frontier studies, and the mechanics and implementation of the Mission system. The unparalleled archeological record of each Mission offers a unique resource for study of the progressive changes in material culture which occurred at each of the missions, changes which may well be representative of culture change throughout the Southwest.
Local significance of the district:
Religion; Engineering; Architecture; Commerce; Military; Agriculture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1978.

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.

Audiobooks about the history of Texas.
The state flower of Texas is the bluebonnet. The flower blooms in the spring and is a common sight along the highways and in fields throughout the state.
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.