Mission San Francisco de la Espada

 (1731-1824) - A fortified Spanish mission established in 1731 by Franciscan missionaries in present day Bexar County, Texas. Abandoned in 1824.

History
The mission was initially established in east Texas as Mission San Francisco de los Texas in 1690. The mission was moved to its current location and reestablished as Mission San Francisco de la Espada on 5 Mar 1731.

The mission concept included bringing friendly Indians into the mission and organizing a Christian community with the Indian leaders functioning as the leaders of the community. The priest was responsible for the religious instruction and care of the community. A limited number of soldiers were typically assigned for protection and as a deterrent to any attack by hostile Indians. A nearby presidio was established to furnish a stronger force that could respond to serious attacks on any mission and to protect ranchers and colonists in the area. The Presidio San Antonio de Bexar was established in 1718 to protect the missions, ranchers and colonists the San Antonio area.

The mission was built out as walled compound with outer rock walls over two foot thick and a limited number of defendable entrances. The defenses evolved over the years to include two bastions. The exterior rock walls were further strengthened by Indian quarters built along the inside of the exterior walls. Inside the compound were the church and the priest's residence as well as a granary and workshops.

The process of secularization began in 1794 and the mission lands were distributed to the remaining fifteen Indian families. The mission could not afford to equip and supply each of the families so they had to share equipment and supplies.

Current Status
Part of San Antonio Missions National Historical Park, Bexar County, Texas.

Sources:

Links:
 * North American Forts - Fort Mission San Francisco de la Espada