First Person Documentation

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 headquarters. 

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