The
least-preserved of the local missions, San Juan is
little more than a field surrounded by a low wall
and some other higher walls. Cacti and scrub brush
dot the landscape while the mission’s three bells
hang in the wind. Hundreds of years ago the walls
would have been surrounded by rich fields of sugarcane,
corn, grapes, and more. While all the missions existed
in an agricultural economy, San Juan was the farthest
south, in what could be considered a sort of colonial
suburb.
1690
- San José de los Nazonis is founded in East Texas.
1731
- San José de los Nazonis moves to its present location.
Some people have reported seeing the ghost of an
indian man in the church. This same spirit has been
seen at other San Antonio mission sites.