FIRST -- Spanish Mission in Texas, Nacogdoches TX
N 31° 36.094 W 094° 39.383
15R E 342863 N 3497464
A state historic marker telling the story of the first Spanish Mission in Texas, established in 1690
Waymark Code: WMXH0A
Location: Texas, United States
Date Posted: 01/12/2018
Views: 1
One of five historical markers along Bonita Creek near downtown Nacogdoches, this marker tells the story of the Spanish Franciscan Friars' entrance (Entrada) into East Texas and the establishment of the first Spanish Mission, San Francisco de los Tejas.
Te marler reads as follows:
"FRANCISCAN FRIARS IN EAST TEXAS
Missionaries of the Franciscan order played an integral role in the administration of Spanish activities throughout Tejas (East Texas). In 1690, Father Damian Massanet (Mazanet) and Captain Alonso de Leon led an entrada to Tejas, and erected the first Spanish mission in the region, San Francisco de los Tejas. The second mission was Mission Santisimo Nombre de la Maria. Both missions served to evangelize native communities, quell French intrusion, and chart the East Texas borderlands. Massanet attempted to foster positive relations with the local Caddo tribes, but the optimistic beginnings of the Presidio and all six missions did not last. Deteriorated relationships, disease and harsh weather caused settlers to abandon the settlement in 1693.
In 1716, Franciscan friar Isidro Felix de Espinosa and Captain Domingo Ramon led a second missionary expedition to Tejas. They established Presidio Nuestra Senora de los Dolores de los Tejas and six missions, three under the administration of Espinosa, and the remaining under the control of Father Antonio Margil de Jesus. Despite tolerant coexistence, the missionaries did not find success converting the Caddo to Catholicism, and ultimately settlers fled in 1719 after harassment from French Lt. Philippe Blondel. A third and final effort to missionize East Texas took place under the Governor Don Jose de Azlor y Virto de Vera, the second Marquis de Aguayo. With 500 soldiers, missionaries and laymen in tow, Aguayo resettled the Mission San Francisco de los Neches under the leadership of Espinosa. While the Franciscans never fully evangelized the Tejas, their expeditions legitimized Spanish presence in East Texas.
Marker is Property of the State of Texas
(2015)"
FIRST - Classification Variable: Item or Event
Date of FIRST: 01/01/1690
More Information - Web URL: [Web Link]
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