Last updated: January 15, 2023
Place
Los Adaes State Historic Site
Photo/Louisiana State Parks
Quick Facts
Location:
6354 Highway 485, one mile northeast of Robeline
Significance:
Los Adaes allows visitors to experience life at the edge of Spanish, French, and American Indian empires.
Designation:
certified site, State Historic Site, National Historic Landmark
MANAGED BY:
A map of Passport and Places to Go locations for National Historic Trails.
Los Adaes, the symbol of New Spain in Louisiana, was once the capital of Texas. The founding of Natchitoches in 1714 by the French resulted in Spain's establishment, within two years, of six missions and one fort in east Texas. In 1719, a French attack on nearby Mission San Miguel alarmed the Spanish and they built a new presidio, or fort, to counter any further French intrusion into Spanish territory. The Presidio Nuestra Señora del Pilar de Los Adaes (Fort of Our Lady of Pilar at the Adaes) was surrounded by a hexagonal stockade with three bulwarks. In 1729, Spain designated Los Adaes the capital of the province of Texas. This made Los Adaes the official residence of the governor, and a house was constructed for him within the presidio. Los Adaes remained the administrative seat of government for the entire province until 1772 (10 years after Louisiana was transferred to Spain); Los Adaes closed that year and the inhabitants moved to San Antonio. However, many of the 500 soldiers and family members soon left San Antonio and returned to Louisiana, where their descendants live today.
Site Information
Location (6354 Highway 485, one mile northeast of Robeline)