The Alamo

Established in 1718 by Spanish settlers, San Antonio de Valero was the first of the original five missions to be established in San Antonio, Texas. Because of its part in Texas' independence, the Alamo as it's now known, is regarded as the Shrine of Texas Liberty.

The Alamo and the four missions in the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park were designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site on July 5, 2015. The site encompasses a group of five frontier mission complexes situated along a stretch of the San Antonio River basin in southern Texas, as well as a ranch located 37 kilometres to the south. It includes architectural and archaeological structures, farmlands, residencies, churches and granaries, as well as water distribution systems. The complexes were built by Franciscan missionaries in the 18th century and illustrate the Spanish Crown’s efforts to colonize, evangelize and defend the northern frontier of New Spain. The San Antonio Missions are also an example of the interweaving of Spanish and Coahuiltecan cultures, illustrated by a variety of features, including the decorative elements of churches, which combine Catholic symbols with indigenous designs inspired by nature.

Unesco: San Antonio Missions
RR: Unesco RR
Date: Sept 20

San Antonio Missions National Historical Park

San Antonio Missions National Historical Park, Texas - Mission Espada.
Mission Espada was the first mission in the province of Texas, founded in 1690 as San Francisco de los Tejas. In 1731, the mission was relocated from east Texas to the present location along the San Antonio River and renamed Mission San Francisco de la Espada. Mission Espada is the southern most mission in San Antonio. Distinctive Spanish design features can be seen in the church doorway, bell tower, and brick archways.

Unesco: San Antonio Missions

RR: Unesco RR
Date: Dec 29

San Antonio Missions National Historical Park

San Antonio Missions National Historical Park, Texas - Mission San José.
San José, the largest and most impressive of the San Antonio Missions, has evolved not only into a historic monument, but also a well-preserved part of modern local life. Part visitor center, part parish, part museum, and part natural space, it's operated by both the National Park Service and the church. The community was established in the 1700s by Spanish missionaries, who converted many Native Americans and taught them how to farm and work the land in exchange for protection. Today the buildings and grounds are open to the public for tours, wandering, and worship.

Unesco: San Antonio Missions

RR: Unesco RR
Date: March 13

San Antonio Missions National Historical Park

San Antonio Missions National Historical Park, Texas - Mission San Juan.
Franciscan missions, established in the eighteenth century along the San Antonio River, sowed the seeds of Spanish culture among the Indians of the Texas frontier. Venerable remnants of four missions are preserved within San Antonio Missions National Historical Park.

Unesco: San Antonio Missions
RR: Unesco RR
Date: Feb 25

The Alamo

San Antonio, Texas.
The Mission San Antonio de Valero is now commonly known as the Alamo. It was here that Col. Travis and 187 defenders lost their lives in the historic fight for the Texas independence.
The Alamo is a historic Spanish mission and fortress compound founded in the 18th century by Roman Catholic missionaries in what is now San Antonio, Texas, United States. It was the site of the Battle of the Alamo in 1836. Today it is a museum in the Alamo Plaza Historic District and a part of the San Antonio Missions World Heritage Site.

Thanks a lot for another amazing card Ria!
Unesco: San Antonio Missions
Swap: Feb 20