L ike many Spanish missions in Texas, this one is not in its original location. The first Mission Espiritu Santo was established much closer to the coastline near Matagorda Bay. It’s main function was to civilize the Karankawa Indians of the region. While it is not politically correct to disparage any indigenous population, historians note that the Karankawa were not well liked among other tribes in the area. Covering themselves with bear grease was understandable considering all of the mosquitoes along the gulf coast. But their propensity for eating each other and members of other tribes was probably what most disturbed the neighbors. In addition to serving the Karankawa, Mission Espiritu Santo’s cattle ranch helped feed people as far away as Louisiana. It is the mission’s success as a cattle station that enables Goliad today to call itself the "Birthplace of Texas Ranching." As the need for missions faded, the building was neglected until 1848 when it was converted into a public school. The mission was later used by Aranama College. Today the mission is part of a State Historic Park. The interior of the church has been re-painted in colors and patterns matching the original. The orange stripes may seem gaudy, but they are authentic and a piece of the original wall with its original paint is on display.
A sign outside reads:
"Mission Espíritu Santo: A Mission for the Aranamas Originally established near present Matagorda Bay, Mission Nuestra Señora del Espíritu Santo de Zuñigla was moved to this San Antonio River location in 1749. Here, for more than 70 years, the Franciscan missionaries taught the native Anarama peoples the religious principles and craft skills they needed to become good Spanish citizens on the remote northern frontier. The immense herds of cattle that supported the mission population became the foundation for the ranching industry of modern Texas. Mission Espíritu Santo officially became a secular church in 1830 and for a time was the site of Aranama College. The buildings gradually fell into disuse, and people in Goliad used the stones for buildings in town. During the 1930’s, craftsmen from the Work Projects Administration and the Civilian Conservation Corps programs reconstructed the mission chapel, granary and workshop buildings."
A stone outside reads:
"Site of the Mission Nuestra Señora del Espiritu Santo de Zuñiga. First established at the site of La Salle’s fort on Garcitas Creek, Victoria County, Among the Coco, Cujanes, Karankawa and other indian tribes in 1722. Moved to Mission Valley, Victoria County, on the Guadalupe River among the Jaranames and Tamiques in 1826. Located on the present site in 1749 for the same indian neophytes. Secularized in 1794. Here Franciscan friars attempted to civilize and Christianize even the cannibalistic indians of the region. Erected by the State of Texas 1936."
1722 - Mission Espiritu Santo is established near Matagorda Bay.
1726 - The mission is moved to a location near present-day Victoria.
1749 - The mission is moved to Goliad.
1848 - Becomes a public school.
1930 - Restored by the Civilian Conservation Corps.
1931 - Becomes a state park.
1977 - Added to the National Register of Historic Places.
K. Contreras
Friday, June 10th, 2005 @ 2:35pm
Very informative article on the Mission Espiritu Santo in Goliad! We stumbled upon it by accident on a recent weekend excursion, and found the old chapel especially endearing. However, there were two features in particular that mystified us completely: the wooden stairlike structure inside the chapel (it was apparently recreated by the CCC in the thirties), and the cryptic skull-and-crossbones insignia above a side door leading into the mission. Any information on these two would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks!
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K. Contreras