The Franciscans missionaries established five missions along tne San Antonio
river in the early 1700's. The first of these was the Alamo built in 1718
and was well over one hundred years old when it became the focal point for
the battle of the Alamo, fought on March 6,1836.
All of the missions, with the exception of the Alamo, continue to operate
as Catholic parishes today and are opened to the public. The Alamo is a
Texas shrine and now serves as a visitor's center and museum.
The National Park Service administers and maintains the other four
missions as National Historical Parks.