National Park Service LogoU.S. Department of the InteriorNational Park ServiceNational Park Service
National Park Service:  U.S. Department of the InteriorNational Park Service Arrowhead
San Antonio Missions National Historical ParkStories of the Missions
view map
text size:largestlargernormal
printer friendly
San Antonio Missions National Historical Park
Stories
 
Drawing of Mission Indians

The Spanish, both from the Church and the Government, were prolific and meticulous recorders of the events and activities that unfolded during their colonial period. While the National Park Service has access to many of these records, we know there are possibly thousands still waiting to be uncovered in the storerooms and archives of Spain and Mexico.

Following are some of the reports that have been translated into English. The originals in 18th century Spanish are available on microfiche at the park's headquaters 

 

1759 Report of Fr. Mariano Francisco de los Delores y Biana, Transcriber and Translator Rosalind Z. Rock, Ph.D, 2007
   Glossary 

1772 Inventory of Mission Nuestra Señora de la Purísima Concepción de Acuna, Transcriber and Translator Rosalind Z. Rock, Ph.D, 2006

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.

Last Updated: January 28, 2009 at 12:29 EST