Like
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.
