The plazas, as well as nearby historic housing, government structures, and even a church, create a complete picture of civilian life in 18th-century San Antonio.

Visit the Spanish Governor's Palace to experience San Antonio's beginnings.

Casa Navarro celebrates the life of a tireless advocate of Texas independence.

Known as the "Queen of the Missions", this is the largest of the missions and was almost fully restored to its original design in the 1930s by the WPA (Works Progress Administration). Spanish missions were not churches, but communities with the church the focus. Mission San José captures a transitional moment in history, frozen in time.

Here you can explore native familiy quarters, soldier's quarters, the stone arches of what remains of the historic convento, the granary, grist mill and more.

Originally founded in 1716 in eastern Texas, Mission San Juan was transferred in 1731 to its present location. In 1756, the stone church, a friary, and a granary were completed. A larger church was begun, but was abandoned when half complete, the result of population decline.

This serene rural setting seems to silence voices of the past. Yet if you linger, you may sense those voices echoing from the limestone walls. On any day, it is common to hear the inhabitants of San Juan’s still active community. They continue to visit the mission grounds, enjoying the natural and spiritual elements of their neighborhood mission.

Mission Espada was the first mission in the province of Texas, founded in 1690 as San Francisco de los Tejas. In 1731, the mission was relocated from east Texas to the present location along the San Antonio River and renamed Mission San Francisco de la Espada. Mission Espada is the southern most mission in San Antonio. Visitors can walk the mission grounds, visit the church and park museum.

Mission Espada is part of the World Heritage Site.

Dolores-Applewhite Crossing is one of many important stream crossings along El Camino Real de los Tejas, providing visitors with a close-up look at wagon ruts.

Paso de Sabinitas is another fine example of a river ford along a tributary of the San Antonio River.

It offers a glimpse into two distinct eras of Texas history: the Spanish settlement of the 18th century and the railroad growth of the 19th century.

Native Americans, Spanish explorers and missionaries, Texian soldiers and early settlers walked the land of what is now Goliad State Park and Historic Site in southeast Texas. Follow in their footsteps and peek into Texas’ past. There are four sites to explore!