Guest Article – San Antonio Missions National Historical Park

By Hector D. Astorga

Copyright © 2009, All Rights Reserved

Website:  http://www.hectorastorga.com/

The Alamo in San Antonio is the most recognizable building in the State of Texas. Every Texan and most Americans, knows the history of the famous battle between the independence seeking Texans and the Mexican Army led by General Santa Ana. What most people don’t know is that the Alamo is only one of the original five missions established along the San Antonio River in the 18th century. The missions were established to convert the local native Indians to Catholicism, and also to extend Spain’s dominion northward from New Spain (present day Mexico). The missions flourished in the mid to late 1700’s but by the mid 1800’s the need for the missions dimished and the missions were secularized and their lands distributed among the inhabitants and the churches transferred to the secular clergy. The missions are a main factor in the history of Texas and the core foundation for the development of the city of San Antonio. The local community has been preserving the missions since 1920 and in 1983 the San Antonio Missions National History Park was established.

Mission San Jose
By far the largest of all five and very well preserved church and grounds. The old mission walls are still standing and you can visit the actual quarters were the monks and Indians lived in. The park opens from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM which is not the best time to photograph, but I found out that if you visit on a Sunday, you can get early access since the church has a 7:00am mass service. Walk in like if you are going to mass and you will be allowed in the grounds.

Mission Concepcion
The building looks almost exactly as it did back when it was built back in 1731. It was the center for religious festivals which was meant to replace the native cultural beliefs with those of the Church. “Original interior paintings remain at Mission Concepcion. Some are religious symbols; others are decorative, imitating architectural elements.”1

Mission San Juan
Sitting on the banks of the San Antonio River, the mission dates back to 1731 when it was moved there from East Texas. The entrance gate at Mission San Juan is typical of the Romanesque arches found through out the missions.

Mission Espada
The south most mission and the most remote of the five. A Beautiful doorway with arch decorates the church entrance. The grounds are well maintained and you will find gorgeous flowers around the church. There is a working convent adjacent to the church.

Mission San Antonio de Valero – The Alamo
The number one tourist attraction in San Antonio. The church is well preserved and the mission grounds have some very nice gardens. Photographic opportunities are plenty but be aware of the crowds. It is always crowded at the Alamo during the weekends, I like to visit during the week either early in the morning or at night. This way you avoid the crowds and sometimes, if you’re lucky, you have the building to yourself.

Photographic opportunities are plenty when visiting the five missions. The old 18th century buildings make for great photographic subjects especially if one is processing black and white / duo-tone photographs. The buildings are well preserved and make great subjects. Entry to all the missions is free and they are open all year long except on the major holidays. The missions are a photographic treasure that must be visited when visiting San Antonio. For more information visit the National Historic Park’s website.

References
1. San Antonio Missions National Historic Park literature –National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior.

About Hector D. Astorga

Hector D. Astorga has enjoyed photography since a teenager growing up in his native Honduras.  Growing up in Central America made him appreciate the beauty of the outdoors and this is what he tries to capture in his photography.  His main interest in photography is travel and nature.  His work has been displayed at Quinta Mazatlan, the World Birding Center in McAllen, TX.  In 2008 he was awarded the Grand Prize Winner at the Valley Land Fund – Small Tract Competition, one of the most diverse and largest photography contests in the nation.  This year he also placed in the top three at the National Wildlife Foundation annual photography contest.  He is a part time professional photographer and a business owner living in South Texas.  You can see more of his work by visiting his website at: http://www.hectorastorga.com