Mission San José in San Antonio, Texas.
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Tag Archives: missions
Presa Street: A Short History Lesson
For some reason, I’m fascinated by the street names in downtown San Antonio. Maybe it’s because they sound different to my Midwestern ears. Or perhaps it has to do with the rich history of this city and my desire to learn more about it. Either way, I have found the book Place Names of San Antonio by David P. Green to be really helpful as I continue to explore the city.
There are lots of bridges downtown because of the San Antonio river and the river walk. I took a quick picture of this one with my iPhone:
According to Green, the word “presa” is Spanish for dam, and the street got its name because it once ran from one dam to another. One of the dams, the Pajalache, provided water to the irrigation ditches called acequias that led to Mission Concepción. The dam was removed in 1869.
The other dam near Presa Street is the Espada Dam, part of the oldest continually operating irrigation system in the country. This dam was also created to provide water to a mission–Mission San Francisco de la Espada.
If you’re interested in San Antonio history, pick up a copy of Place Names of San Antonio.
Mission San Juan: Photos and Friendly Advice
A few tips to keep in mind when you visit Mission San Juan:
–As tempting as it might be, don’t allow kids to climb, walk, or sit on the stone walls. Keep in mind that many of these structures date back to the mid-1700s and need to be protected.
–Bring water and sunscreen. There isn’t much shade near the church, although you will find some along the trail leading to the San Antonio River.
–Definitely take a walk down the Yanaguana Trail, which can be found behind the church. Informative signs along the way make the walk that much more interesting. For instance, did you know that there used to be alligators living near the river? Yikes!
–Don’t forget to visit the other missions that are part of the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park. My favorite is Mission Concepción, the oldest unrestored stone church in the United States.
15 Kid-Friendly Activities in San Antonio
We’ve packed a lot of fun into our first 6 months here in San Antonio: we stepped into an 18th-century mission church, explored the world-famous Alamo, cruised down the San Antonio River, watched the world from above in the Tower of the Americas, and ate some really great waffles at the Guenther House.
Here is a list of 15 fun places to visit with your family. Enjoy!
1. San Antonio Children’s Museum: Where to begin? The museum features a huge contraption that sorts, spills, and sucks-up plastic balls. Then there’s the mini-airliner. Downstairs, you’ll find the mock grocery store. Great fun! For more about this museum, check out one of my previous posts here.
2. The Alamo: You can’t visit this city without taking a few pictures of the family in front of the Alamo. Besides the famous exterior, the grounds are very pretty, and you’ll find lots of displays and informational signs to help you learn a little more about the famous site’s history.
3. San Antonio Missions National Historical Park: The four missions that make up the park are absolutely beautiful. I particularly love Mission Concepción, the oldest unrestored stone church in the United States, which was built in 1755.
4. Japanese Tea Garden: This garden is located within Brackenridge Park and admission is free. Our daughter particularly likes the lily pond, which is filled with plenty of colorful fish.
5. Brackenridge Park: This park contains so many fun activities for families. It’s home to the zoo, Japanese Tea Garden, Witte Museum, lots of walking trails and picnic areas, and the small train which makes a loop through the park.
6. San Antonio Zoo: Our daughter is particularly fond of the elephants and monkeys. Located in Brackenridge Park, the zoo is easy to fit into your family’s itinerary since it’s near several other attractions.
7. Kiddie Park: This small, old-fashioned amusement park is one of my favorite kid-friendly spots in San Antonio. Many of the rides date back to the 1920′s.
8. Guenther House: Who doesn’t love waffles covered in strawberries and whipped cream? This is a great place to enjoy breakfast or lunch. The setting, a home built in 1860, is absolutely gorgeous.
9. Milam Park: This city park is very pleasant and has plenty of swings, slides, and climbing structures for young kids. Nearby, you’ll see a beautiful pavillion designed by Jalisco architect Salvador de Alba Martin. Also, parents who love history will enjoy checking out the monument to Ben Milam, a man killed while defending the city against the Mexican army in 1835.
10. San Antonio Botanical Garden: A family could spend hours here. It’s a great place to relax on a nice day and watch the kids run free.
11. Riverwalk: Along with the Alamo, this is another absolute must-see in San Antonio. Lined with restaurants, this is a great place to grab dinner, take a stroll, or hop on a river cruise.
12. San Antonio Art Museum: The museum’s collection encompasses a wide range of styles, from Western Antiquities to Latin American art to Contemporary American paintings. The museum also features special exhibitions; for an exhibition schedule, visit the museum’s website.
13. McNay Art Museum: This museum is based on the collection of Marion Koogler McNay, an heiress and art-lover who set aside her art collection, home, and 23 acres of gardens in her will. In 1954, the McNay opened its doors and became the first museum of modern art in Texas.
14. Tower of the Americas: Our daughter loved riding up the elevator to the observation deck and looking out across San Antonio.
15. Orsinger Park: This park has an almost impossible combination: a. swings b. a large sandbox and c. shade! If you’re visiting on a hot, sunny day, you’ll want to check out this playground.
Texas Photo: Mission San José
This mission once consisted of the church, a granary, living quarters, and an impressive fortification system, all of which were completed by 1782.
Sadly, many parts of Mission San José were in disrepair by the 1920′s, and it became necessary to replace the church’s dome, bell tower, and one wall. In 1937, the church was rededicated, thanks to the San Antonio Conservation Society.
In 1941, the mission was designated as a State Historic Site and a National Historic Site. As someone who has enjoyed exploring this beautiful mission, I’m thankful that efforts were made to ensure its safety.
For more information on Mission San José, visit the San Antonio Missions National Historic Park website.
The Alamo: Beyond the Facade
Most people are familiar with the Alamo’s famous facade. It is one of those iconic American buildings that draws tourists from all over the world, and it is almost certainly on the itinerary of anyone who visits the city of San Antonio. But many people don’t take time to consider the grounds around the Alamo, the context in which it sits. Here are some photos from beyond the facade:
This bell, which rests over the door of the building next to the Alamo, was dedicated to the Daughters of the Republic of Texas in 1954. Originally a museum, this building now houses the Alamo gift shop, an important source of revenue to maintain the site:
Directly behind the Alamo, you’ll find this oak tree, planted in honor of those who died:
You’ll also see lots of yucca plants and cacti in the garden area:
Our daughter really enjoyed watching the fish swim by. (This is directly behind the main building):
It’s safe to say that the back of the Alamo isn’t as memorable as the facade:
Looking out from the former barracks, you can see a well that was once used by the friars:
La Ventana de Rosa (Rose Window) of Mission San José
Located on the south wall of the church, the rose window is a mysterious part of the Mission San José church. Although this window has been called “la ventana de rosa” for many years, it doesn’t ressemble the round, stained-glass windows often referred to by this name. It is believed that the window actually was named after Rosa, the fiancé of sculptor Juan Huizar. The window was sculpted in 1775.
Mission San José is located at 6701 San José Drive in San Antonio, Texas. To read about one of the other mission churches, Mission Concepción, see my story The beautiful Mission Concepción.
The beautiful Mission Concepción
Most visitors to San Antonio think of the Alamo as soon as they hear the word “mission.” However, there are four other mission churches that are just as impressive (if not more so). The church of Mission Nuestra Señora de la Purisima Concepción de Acuña, more commonly called Mission Concepción, is the oldest unrestored stone church in America. Built in 1755, this church is absolutely beautiful.
(In the above picture, Nick and E. explore the grounds near the church.)
The church is an example of Spanish Colonial architecture, and includes two bell towers and a dome. Near the church are the cloisters, a deep well, and a small garden for meditation and prayer.
For more information on Mission Concepción or the other San Antonio missions, visit the official National Park Service website. Mission Concepción is located at 807 Mission Road, and is open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years Day.)
Ice Cream at the Alamo. Part 2
Last night, I couldn’t get the Shutterfly slideshow to work properly if I added any of my own text, so here’s what I was going to say about our evening:
When E. deserves a special treat, we like to drive downtown and eat ice cream in front of the Alamo. How many kids can say they’ve done that? The Alamo is so pretty at night, and the street in front of it is closed to cars, so E. has plenty of room to run around. Also, there’s a Haagen-Dazs located right across the street, so it’s pretty convenient, which is always important when you’re hanging out with a toddler.
We spent our very first evening in San Antonio enjoying our ice cream in front of the Alamo, so it will always have special meaning to us.
Click here to see pictures from our night at this beautiful building.
