Mission San Francisco de la Espada

Mission San Francisco de la Espada features defensive stone walls, a church with distinctive Spanish Colonial architecture, and an extensive irrigation system.

The mission was established in 1690 as San Francisco de los Tejas near Nacogdoches before relocating to its current location along the San Antonio River in 1731.

The mission complex transformed indigenous Coahuiltecan communities from hunters into agricultural societies through Spanish education, farming techniques, and Catholic practices.

Mission Espada remains an active Catholic parish within the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park, offering daily access to visitors throughout the year.

The original irrigation system built by indigenous workers in the 1730s continues to function today, distributing water through stone-lined channels across former mission lands.

Location: San Antonio

Inception: 1690

Architectural style: Spanish Colonial architecture, Colonial Revival architecture

Part of: San Antonio Missions

Address: Espada Rd.

GPS coordinates: 29.31780,-98.45000

Latest update: May 11, 2025 05:04