Mission San Juan: Stone Ruins of a Once Thriving Community
The few standing buildings and the visible ruins of the complex do not convey the scale of this once thriving community established here in 1731.
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A Historic Community
The Mission San Juan community was reestablished here in 1731 from a location in East Texas. The plaza was the hub of a vibrant community. Spanish records reveal that as many as 200 individuals lived, worked, and worshiped here.
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Historic Convento
This area was the location of the original housing for the priests and friars that led the mission. Construction of this stone building began in the 1740s. This stone Convento replaced temporary adobe buildings. To the left of the arch was the porteria, the gatekeeper's office.
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Historic Convento
Conveniently located near the Convento, the residence of the Franciscan friars, they could monitor activity as well. This official entrance illustrated the amount of control exerted over the landscape and its people.
Stone Ruins of Unfinished Church (2022) by Stone Ruins of Unfinished ChurchSan Antonio Missions National Historical Park
Unfinished Church
These stone foundations are the remnants of a church that was never completed. Construction started during the mission era, but activity ceased due to labor and financial shortages.
San Juan Church Interior by Mission San Juan Farm and AcequiaSan Antonio Missions National Historical Park
Interior of the San Juan Church
Never meant to be the final church of the mission, this 1790s building once served as a granary for food storage. Plans for a large church across the mission compound did not come to fruition.
Mission San Juan Farm and Acequia (2018) by Mission San Juan Farm and AcequiaSan Antonio Missions National Historical Park
Historic Farms and Acequias
Here you can see acequias, the gravity fed-irrigation system. Mission residents grew crops of beans, squash, peppers, and corn in the mission farm fields. These foods were new in this area and have forever changed our modern foodways.
Yanaguana Trail (2022) by Park Ranger on the trail.San Antonio Missions National Historical Park
Take a Short Walk Along the Yanaguana Trail
The name, “Yanaguana,” comes from the local native language. The word translates to —“refreshing waters.” This short walk is a contrast to the barren surroundings. It provides views of the river and offers the opportunity to experience the natural world.
Yanaguana Trail by National Park ServiceSan Antonio Missions National Historical Park
Yanaguana Trail
The rich and diverse habitat attracts a wide array of plants, animals, and migratory birds. Pay attention to the birds, insects, and squirrels jumping from tree to tree.
San Antonio Missions National Historical Park
nps.gov/saan
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