About Texas Missions and Presidios Images
This gallery contains subgalleries with images of the missions and presidios of Texas.
The Texas missions comprised a series of religious outposts established by Spanish Catholic Dominicans, Jesuits, and Franciscans in the 17th and 18th centuries to spread Catholicism among area Native Americans and give Spain a foothold in the frontier land. In addition to the presidio and pueblo, the mission was one of the three major agencies employed by Spain to extend its borders and consolidate its colonial territories. While they were at the height of their influence, the missions were economic leaders in trade and agriculture.
In all, twenty six missions were maintained at one time within the boundaries of the state of Texas. Though at one time the Texas missions were much more widespread throughout the state, today they are concentrated primarily in San Antonio, El Paso, and Goliad, and remain active parochial communities and centers of tourism.
Current offerings from San Antonio include Mission San José, Mission Concepción, Mission Espada, Mission San Juan, and the Alamo.
Current offerings from the El Paso area include, Socorro Mission, Ysleta Mission, and San Elizario Presidio Chapel.
Current offerings from Goliad include Presidio la Bahía and Mission Espíritu Santo.
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