14 Jan 2014
Our next stop on the "Mission Trail" was only five miles further downstream at Mission San Jose which was founded in 1720 and known as the Queen of the Missions. The mission and the surrounding fields sustained a thriving community of Spaniards and Coahuiltecan Indians in the 1800's.
At first the buildings were made from primative materials but later were replaced by large stone buildings and a solid outer wall which was built to house 350 Indians and to protect the mission from raids.
The magnificent limestone church, built in 1768 is partly in ruin now but many sections have been restored and are still rather spectacular! San Jose church is famous for the Rose Window, the beautiful interior and the intricate exterior designed in the old Texas style.
There is a permanent ranger on site who will give a guided tour but as usual we decided to give that a miss and roam around on our own. Whilst we were in the church a local chap was playing some haunting tunes on a variety of pipes. We were so intrigued that neither of us though to take a photo of him!
http://www.texasbeyondhistory.net/st-plains/images/he15.html
(Remember to click on the photos to enlarge them)
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| The Church Dome |
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| The extensive exterior grounds. |
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Rose Window |
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| Tom with yet another amazing door! |
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| The Stunning Interior |
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| Still trying to find out who this is. |
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Old Mill and Acequia (1794)
Old Water wheel .
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