San Jose Mission National Historic Site
Why it's listed
Mission San Jose y San Miguel de Aguayo in San Antonio, Texas, was founded on February 23, 1720, by Fray Antonio Margil and Governor Marquis de San Miguel de Aguayo. In 1740 Fr. Nunez moved it to its present location, its third site. It grew into one of the most successful Texas missions and became known as the "Queen of the Missions." The church was started in 1768 and finished about 1782. The original sacristy with its Rose Window still stands, though part of the north wall fell in 1868 and the dome and roof caved in during 1874. The mission was secularized in 1824, later cared for by several religious orders, and lost its tower in 1928. It was restored in 1936 and declared a National Historic Site in 1941. A 1970 report found the church in excellent condition, with some settling cracks in reconstructed quadrangle rooms and a need for archeological work.
Significance in brief: The supporting papers describe it as one of the most successful Texas missions, known as the "Queen of the Missions." Its church, begun in 1768 and finished about 1782, and its sacristy with the Rose Window still survive. The complex was restored in 1936 and declared a National Historic Site in 1941.
Machine-generated summary. This summary was generated by a language model from the official nomination document and has not been reviewed line by line by an editor. It may contain errors. Check the source document before relying on any detail. Source: nomination document (PDF) · National Archives catalog entry. NRHP reference 66000810, listed October 15, 1966. Summary generated October 2026 (model claude-sonnet-5-5, prompt v1.0-2026-10-29, confidence low).
Key facts
| Address | 6519 San Jose Dr., San Antonio |
|---|---|
| County | Bexar County |
| Listed | October 15, 1966 |
| Reference number | 66000810 |
| Resource type | Building |
| Areas of significance | Architecture, Religion |
| Level of significance | National |
| Status (as stated in the nomination) | A 1970 report describes the church as in excellent condition with minor maintenance needs, the grounds as well kept, and some reconstructed quadrangle rooms as having settling cracks. |
| Within district | Mission Parkway |
| Coordinates | 29.36323, -98.47925 (NPS GIS) |
What listing means for this property
National Register listing is honorary: it recognises significance and does not restrict what a private owner may do without federal money or permits. It unlocks the 20% federal rehabilitation tax credit for income-producing buildings, state credits in many states, and Section 106 review when federal agencies are involved. See what listing means in practice.
General information, not legal or tax advice. Rules change; confirm with your State Historic Preservation Office or a qualified adviser.
Sources and further reading
- National Park Service, National Register of Historic Places database (snapshot May 2026), reference 66000810.
- Nomination form (PDF, National Archives) — catalog entry
- Wikipedia article (used for cross-checking only; text not reproduced here)
- Wikidata Q6878730
- This listing as JSON
Last updated October 2026. Found an error? See the editorial policy for how to report it.