On the way to border we stopped in San Antonio, TX. We wanted to visit Spanish frontier missions. They are the remnants of a Spanish colonization system from the 18^th century. To establish Spanish control in Texas friars were sent first. Their goal was to convert local Native Americans to Catholicism, teach them the Spanish language and culture.

Mission Concepción was established by Franciscan Friars in 1711. It was more than a church. Like many other Spanish missions, it was fortified for the protection from the attacks by Indians who did not want a new faith. The mission was like a fort with thick limestone walls surrounding the village There were small rooms for the Indians living there, a school, and facilities to support farming activities. Mission needed indigenous peoples to prosper. The Indians were simply a free workforce to work in the fields nearby.

Alamo was founded in 1718 as Misión San Antonio de Valero. The mission's Indian population topped 300 at its peak, but later fell to only 12. In 1793, the mission was secularized and abandoned. In the 19th century, the mission complex became known as "the Alamo" and was occupied by the Spanish and Mexican troops. In 1836, during the Texas Revolution, the Alamo was the site of a heroic battle between Mexicans and Texans. All the Texas soldiers were either killed or executed.

San José operated as a mission from 1720 to 1824. It was another complex established to support Spanish colonization of the region. It is distinguished by large stone structures, high walls, a church, and rooms for 350 Indians. This mission was founded by Antonio Margil, Spanish Franciscan missionary.

It is worth mentioning Father Margilu, who in his time was certainly a traveler. It is told to that he walked most of the distance between Panama and Louisiana on foot, working on many missions along the way. Did he come here from Panama? It is so far from Texas. Panama at the south tip of the North American continent is the country we are heading to on this overland expedition.

We finished the day walking the San Antonio River Walk, a boardwalk one level below San Antonio street level. The city streets, on the minus one level, twist under bridges. There is a lot of greenery, shops and restaurants. We were positively surprised to see such a different and unique part of the city in the United States.