Mission Tejas State Park

Mission Tejas State Park

Photo/NPS

Quick Facts

Location:

19343 State Hwy. 21 East, Grapeland, Texas, 75844

Significance:

Although the original site of the 1690 mission has not been found, Mission Tejas State Park offers hikers a chance to walk an original segment of El Camino Real de los Tejas.

Designation:

Certified Site; Texas State Park

MANAGED BY:

Texas Parks and Wildlife Department

Amenities

1 listed

Historical/Interpretive Information/Exhibits

Mission San Francisco de los Tejas, the first Spanish mission in the province of Texas, was established in 1690 on San Pedro Creek just east of the site of present-day Augusta. It was abandoned in 1693 and then reestablished in 1716 in nearby Cherokee County. This second mission lasted until approximately 1730. The first site of this mission has not been found. In 1934, the Civilian Conservation Corps built a commemorative representation of the 1690 mission at the park site. The park was managed by the Texas Forest Service until it became a state park in 1956. The Rice Family log home, which was built by Joseph Rice Sr. between 1828 and 1838, is one of the oldest structures in the area. It initially served as a stopover for immigrants, adventurers, and local residents traveling the Old San Antonio Road.

The pine forests and grassy fields possess remarkable visual integrity, giving visitors a good idea what the landscape looked like hundreds of years ago.

Site Information

Location (19343 State Hwy. 21 East, Grapeland, Texas  75844, 16 miles east/northeast of Grapeland, Texas)

Available Facilities 
The park offers fishing, picnicking, campsites, and group facilities as well as a commemorative representation of Mission San Francisco de los Tejas.

Exhibits
The park offers pioneer skills demonstrations, as well as school tours of the two historic structures.
Safety Considerations

More site information

El Camino Real de los Tejas National Historic Trail

Duration:

2 minutes, 1 second

Mission Tejas State Park is home to eight and a half miles of trails through tall pines, past historic structures, and following a remnant of the 2,500 mile route that served as the political, economic, and cultural link between the Spanish capital in Mexico City and the province of Tejas for more than 150 years. Mission Tejas State Park is a fee site, owned and operated by Texas State Parks.

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