1. West Texas Missions
In 1598 Spain decided to establish a colony in their northern territories.
Juan de Onate set out with 400 men, families, priests, and livestock settled in New Mexico.
In 1682, the Spaniards established the first Texas missions of Corpus Christi de Ysleta in present-day El Paso.

2. West Texas Missions
The purpose of the mission was to spread Christianity to the Tigua, Jumanos and other Native Americans in the area and to make a claim on the region.
The mission was successful and Spain decided to build more in the area.

3. Corpus Christi de Ysleta
Built in 1682.
First mission in Texas.
Built among the Tigua and Jumano Indians near present-day El Paso

4. East Texas Missions
After the Spanish found the remains of French Fort St. Louis, Spain sent several priests and 100 soldiers along the Neches River to establish missions (Alonzo de Leon sent to destroy Fort St. Louis)
Mission San Francisco de los Tejas and the Santa Maria were built in East Texas.

5. Father Massenet
Wrote a report to establish a claim in East Texas with missions
Given permission to colonize the “land of the Tejas” with several priests and soldiers along the Neches River
Built the first mission in East Texas, San Francisco de los Tejas with the Tejas Indians (Caddo)
Massenet returned to Mexico City to encourage more missions to be built in Texas but it was decided to close the missions due to all the problems Mission Santa Maria was abandoned due to the priest becoming ill and dying.
Spaniards believed that the friendliness of the Caddoes and their trade network would allow the mission to survive and the Catholic religion to spread among the native groups.

6. San Francisco de los Tejas
Built in 1690
First mission in East Texas
Located among the Caddo
Near present-day Weches, TX (Crockett)
Later abandoned and destroyed

7. East Texas Problems
In 1691, problems included crop failures, drought, and Native American deaths due to disease, and lack of interest by the Natives to convert to the Catholic religion
Spain decided to abandon the east Texas missions due to cost to maintain, French threat was gone, and all of the continuing problems with crops and illness.

8. Father Francisco Hidalgo (1659-1726)
In 1699, he tried to reestablish the East Texas missions.
He was worried his flock and asked the French priests to check on the Native Americans
He was dedicated to the Indians in East Texas
When the Spanish found out about the French, Hidalgo was given permission to reestablish the missions among the Caddoes
He stayed at San Francisco de los Tejas until it was abandoned

9. Spain Re-establishes East Texas Missions
After 20 years, the Spanish returned to East Texas due to the French threat.
In 1699, the French began building trading posts in Louisiana Territory, way too close for Spain.
Spain decided to reopen the east Texas missions.
The missions once again were not successful.
The east Texas Indians saw no benefit to having access to the mission and the French were too great a threat to Spain in east Texas.

10. San Miguel de los Linares de los Adaes
The French were threatening the Spanish land claim again.
Built this mission in response to the French in 1717.
It was 15 miles from French Settlement of Natchitoches.
Spanish named Los Adaes the capital of the province of Texas.

11. Mission Problems Continue:
Spain’s expansion into Texas was a constant struggle as Native refused to convert to the Catholic religion and live a Spanish lifestyle
Marques de Rubi wrote a report to the King of Spain that France was no longer a threat due to Spain controlling Louisiana
He recommended that the eastern and western missions needed to be closed and moved to San Antonio.
San Antonio was the new capital of the Texas area and an alliance would be needed to be made with the Comanches

12. Changes in the Mission System:
The recommendations were adopted, but were not easy to carry out
Settlers around the missions to be closed were very upset about moving.
Some settlers decided to stay in East Texas. They established the town of Nacogdoches.(Gil Ybarbo)
In western Texas, an alliance was made with the Comanches and a peace agreement was made with the Apaches.
The Rio Grande River area Missions continued to be successful even though there was less support and money

13. San Antonio
San Antonio area, the missions, presidios, and settlements grew and flourished.
They were self-sufficient and stable communities.
Spain opened the area to Spanish colonist who wanted to relocate.
Large ranches, small farms, and businesses were founded around the mission communities.
In 1731, settlers from the Canary Island helped establish the civil settlement of San Antonio de Bexar and La Bahia.

14. Fray Antonio Margil de Jesus (1657-1726)
Founded San Jose Mission y San Miguel de Aguayo due to San Antonio growing as a community
San Jose is one of five major missions in San Antonio
They still exist today, but as churches

15. Missions System in San Antonio
San Antonio was the home of five of the 36 missions founded in Texas between the years of
Their main goal was to “Christianize” the Coahulitecan Indians and make them loyal Spanish citizens.
They had 10 years by Spanish law to convert, but there were many obstacles along the way
Most successful missions in Texas
Most missions stayed open until 1830 and still operate as churches today (except the Alamo)

16. San Antonio de Valero Built in 1718 Located in present-day San Antonio
Halfway point between Rio Grande and East Texas
Mission chapel is known as the Alamo

17. San Antonio de Bexar Built in 1718
Presidio built across the San Antonio River
Village sprang up nearby named San Fernando de Bexar that later became know as downtown San Antonio

18. Jose de Escandon ( )
In the 1740’s the viceroy of New Spain chose Escandon to lead an expedition to continue expansion in the northern frontier (Texas).
In 1748, Escandon set out with 3000 settlers, soldiers, and priests to settle the land between the Rio Grande and the Nueces River.
15 missions were established in this area, La Bahia was relocated to present day Goliad, and many towns were established through out Nuevo Santander (present-day Laredo)
Known as “Father of the Lower Rio Grande Valley”

19. Only Successful Settlement Areas:
Corpus Christi de la Ysleta
San Antonio
La Bahia
Nuevo Santander (Laredo area)
Nacogdoches
Common Mission Problems:
Crop Failure due to drought
Disease/illness
Natives refuse to convert
Hostile Natives