Last updated: November 30, 2023
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El Camino Real de los Tejas: San Antonio to Goliad Itinerary
NPS Photo
This itinerary offers a mix of recreation and history! It is a very full day, so adjust the time you spend or visit to meet your needs. Check the visiting hours for sites and inquire if programs are available.
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Managing a Mission
At first, missions were simply people on a mission – a priest, translator, and occasionally a soldier or two would minister directly to groups of Indians. They carried a portable altar to say the Mass. This began decades before the well-known and still-standing mission churches we see today were erected. It was also a process - missions needed official permission from the Spanish king and his council to be approved and funded, and the mission was directed towards a certain place. Missions accomplished three goals for Spain: conversion, pacification, and claim to the land and its resources.
When you follow this itinerary, you will catch a glimpse of the places and activities of early missionizing and settlement. You’ll discover what was needed to support a mission, where the historic road traversed and why, and the complicated nature of human relations between native peoples, Spanish settlers, religious men, and soldiers. That sounds like a lot, but you will discover small bits while you explore outdoors and visit historic sites. And we’ve provided lots of links for more information about the sites to visit and the stories they tell.
These sites along El Camino Real de los Tejas are connected by the Spanish desire to claim, missionize, and settle, and used the resources of the land as well as those of the American Indian groups already present. When you see the loom at Mission Espada and view the loom, you will make your first connection with Rancho de las Cabras which is later in the itinerary.
When following a national historic trail, you are taking a walk in the park! This itinerary includes places that are hike and bike-friendly as well as historic places to explore.
Get more information and start planning your visit by clicking on the images for each stop:
Learn More:
Recreation:
- Hike & Bike Trail along the San Antonio River - This trail connects all five missions in San Antonio: The Alamo, Mission Concepcion, Mission San Jose, Mission San Juan, and Mission Espada.
Rancho de las Cabras is only available to visit by guided tour. Please contact San Antonio Missions National Historical Park to find out more information and sign-up for a tour.