Describes the history of the Spanish missions in the San Antonio, Texas, area, now preserved as the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park.

Since their construction in the eighteenth century, San Antonio's Spanish missions have held a fascination for visitors and residents alike. This elegant coffee-table volume displays more than one hundred color photographs by architectural photographer Mike Osborne. It provides a distinctive contemporary portrait of the five mission complexes, now partly restored, partly still in ruins. One, better known as the Alamo, is a memorial to its defenders in 1836. The four others comprise San Antonio Missions National Historical Park. Each section includes a rare nineteenth-century image, several previously unpublished.

Presents a collection of over one hundred thirty archival and newer photographs and illustrations describing five Spanish missions of San Antonio, and includes archeological data and discoveries.

Claude B. Aniol's 'San Antonio: City of Missions' delves into the historical and cultural significance of the iconic city of San Antonio, Texas, focusing particularly on the renowned Spanish missions that dot the landscape. Aniol's writing style is both engaging and informative, blending historical facts with literary flair to portray the rich tapestry of San Antonio's past. The book provides a comprehensive look at the missions' architecture, religious significance, and their impact on the local community, making it a valuable resource for history enthusiasts and tourists alike. Claude B. Aniol, a renowned historian and architecture expert, brings a wealth of knowledge and passion to 'San Antonio: City of Missions.' His deep-rooted connection to the city and its historical landmarks shines through in his meticulous research and insightful analysis. Aniol's expertise in Spanish colonial history and architecture lends credibility to the book, making it a must-read for those interested in understanding the cultural legacy of San Antonio. I highly recommend 'San Antonio: City of Missions' to anyone seeking a deeper understanding of the historical roots of San Antonio and the enduring legacy of its missions. Aniol's captivating narrative and scholarly approach make this book a valuable addition to any history buff's collection.

The story of the missions is a compelling human drama that is a vital piece not only of California history, but also of American history. Indeed, many keys to California's past lie in the stories of the 20 missions that stretch along the state's west coast from San Diego to San Francisco. This vital series is compatible with the mission-based curriculum used in fourth-grade California classrooms. It resonates equally with all social studies programs that explore the defunct notion of colonialism and its controversial role in the history of the United States, and with curricula that seek to explore the interaction of different cultures and the rights and voices of indigenous peoples.