San Antonio Missions tour 2022. Mission San Juan.

Welcome back to Traveling with R & S! Today, we're diving into a fascinating piece of history right here in San Antonio, Texas. We're visiting Mission San Juan Capistrano, a historic site with deep roots in Spanish colonial history. So, let’s step back in time and uncover the story behind this incredible mission!
Originally founded in 1716 as La Misión San José de los Nazonis in South Central Texas, this mission has a rich history that spans over 300 years. However, in 1731, it was relocated to its current site on the eastern banks of the San Antonio River and was renamed Mission San Juan Capistrano
On July 14, 1794, Mission San Juan Capistrano was secularized, meaning it was no longer under direct church control. For a time, it was attended by the resident priest from Mission San Francisco de la Espada until about 1813. After that, the one remaining missionary from Mission San José y San Miguel de Aguayo took over until 1824.
During this period, the native population of the mission was either disbanded, temporarily moved to other missions, or became Hispanicized. The mission fell into neglect but saw a revival in 1840 when diocesan priests resumed religious services.
By 1855, a neighborhood began to grow around the mission, fueled in part by the construction of a nearby railroad. This area became home to the descendants of the mission’s original population.