Welcome to Mission San Jose which is known as the Queen of the San Antonio Missions. It is one of five Spanish missions which make up the San Antonio Missions Historical Parks. Mission San Jose was founded on February 23rd, 1720, and is the second mission after The Alamo built alongside the San Antonio River.
The objective of these Spanish missions was twofold. Franciscan missionaries were trying to convert indigenous hunters and gathers into Catholic parishioners. While they received financial support from the King of Spain who was looking to expand his tax-paying base.
The peaceful bands of Indians who joined the mission community desired security and relief from the aggressive raiders like the Apache in the area. At Mission San Jose, there were three different Indian bands that took positions within the mission. The transition from a culture of hunter and gatherer to living in the mission was difficult.
To begin with there was the spread of European diseases as the indigenous people encountered foreigners. The transition included everything from diet, clothing, religion, lifestyle and even names. The Indians were required to speak two languages – Latin and Spanish, in addition to their own. They were also required to learn new skills or a vocation. Vocations included farming, tailoring, carpenter, blacksmith, masons, weavers, and raising livestock,
The highlight of the mission is its church, Mission San Jose Church that they began constructing in 1768. Around this time, there were approximately 350 people who resided at the mission in eighty-four two-room apartments that we saw earlier. The mission ceased operations in February of 1824 in coordination with an agreement with the Mexican government. In its 104 years of running, the Mission San Jose baptized over two thousand indigenous people.
The Franciscan missionaries returned to Mission San Jose in 1931 where they continue to live today. It is the largest of the San Antonio Missions. An interesting note: In the 1930s the mission was almost fully restored by the WPA (Works Projects Administration). This program was designed to help the people of the United States to get back to work during and after the depression. The mission was designated as part of the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park in 1978.