This map shows the missions of the San Antonio Texas fort. The fort was used by the Spanish Crown to expand its territories in America and subdue the indigenous communities of the region.
08 Maravillas de la Historia by AnónimoArchivo General de la Nación - Mexico
When a community fully adopted the Spanish way of life, it would be integrated into the network. So, missionaries would travel to other areas and the communal properties of the missionaries would be privatized by the members. The authority was secular and the religious life was left in the hands of the Catholic Church.
These religious missions in the region of Texas, especially those in San Antonio, served multiple purposes, from converting and turning the citizens Spanish to giving further support across the border, as the Spanish Crown feared French invasion through Louisiana.
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Today, the territory of the Missions of San Antonio is a tourist site of the National Historical Park of the Missions of San Antonio.
08 Maravillas de la Historia by AnónimoArchivo General de la Nación - Mexico
If you look closely at the map you will notice that the farmland was intended for wheat and corn.
The San Antonio River crossed the land and connected the mission of San José with Miguel de Aguayo.
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Current view of the San Antonio River.
08 Maravillas de la Historia by AnónimoArchivo General de la Nación - Mexico
In the center was the fort of San Antonio, which served as a strong military base that protected the surrounding regions, and a small plot was used by the soldiers.
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Current view of the interior of the Presidio of San Antonio de Béjar.
08 Maravillas de la Historia by AnónimoArchivo General de la Nación - Mexico
The map allows us to know the distribution of the land, its economic activities, and its topography, as it is described as a very flat land surrounded by groves.
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What was once described as a flat land surrounded by groves, is now covered by buildings, houses, and cars. One of the great attractions is the Milam Park, which was dedicated to the memory of the military Ben Milam.
08 Maravillas de la Historia by AnónimoArchivo General de la Nación - Mexico
The document, whose support is rag pulp paper, measures 41 x 31 cm and features designs with plant and structural motifs in ink.
Anonymous
1730
Mexico
AGN, Maps, Blueprints, Illustrations, N° 0191
Originally from: Provincias Internas vol. 236, exp. 1, f. 186
