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Making America's Best Idea Even Better
San Antonio Missions National Historical ParkMission San Juan
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San Antonio Missions National Historical Park
The Mission Frontier
 
Texas brush and wildflowers, similar to the mission environment.

Texas brush and wildflowers, similar to the mission environment.

Over 400 years ago Spanish expeditions began to explore land that is now the American Southwest. Beginning in the 16th century, missionaries, accompanied by a few soldiers, moved north out of the Valley of Mexico, founding missions and presidios. By 1718 this activity extended to the San Antonio River, helping form the nucleus of the future city of San Antonio itself.
Church and State on the Frontier
Church and State on the Frontier
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to San Antonio Missions, their Beginnings
San Antonio Missions, their Beginnings
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Mission Communities
Mission Communities
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Spanish mission vaquero herding cattle.  

Did You Know?
that the first cattle drives originated from the (San Antonio) Spanish missions in Texas? Vaqueros drove hundreds of cattle, sheep, and goats to Louisiana during the American War for Independence to supply American colonists. Spain's real intent was to weaken the British militarily and financially.

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Last Updated: March 29, 2007 at 09:47 EST