History of the Missions

The chain of missions established along the San Antonio River in the 18th century are reminders of one of Spain's most successful attempts to extend its New World dominion northward from Mexico. They were the greatest concentration of Catholic missions in North America. While tales of riches, such as those of the fabled region of Gran Quivira, spurred the conquistadors' advance across the Rio Grande, encounters with the Tejas Indians, for whom Texas was named, provided even greater impetus for Spain's colonization of its northern borderlands. As dreams of wealth faded, giving way to the more practical goal of propagating the Catholic faith among the frontier Indians, the mission served to introduce native inhabitants into Spanish society.