San Antonio Missions National Historical Park has grown by 44 acres thanks to the help of the National Park Trust/NPS file

San Antonio Missions National Historical Park has grown by 44 acres thanks in part to the National Park Trust. The expansion helps protect the unique cultural landscape with its archaeological artifacts. The property, which has now been transferred to the National Park Service, is adjacent to the original San Juan Acequia that was built to support daily life at the missions during the Spanish colonial period.

The Park Trust combined its knowledge of real estate principles with its experience working with the National Park Service on real estate transfers to meet the owner’s deadline for sale of the property. The Park Trust held the property until the Park Service was officially able to accept the property.

The undeveloped acreage is east of the San Antonio River in Texas, and its fields are within reach of Mission Espada and Mission San Juan. The acquisition expands green space accessible to the public, protects open space in an area of residential suburban development, and protects land important to the history of the missions. 

San Antonio Missions National Historical Park Superintendent Christine Jacobs said "the inclusion of these lands within the park’s authorized boundary will enable the park to better protect internationally significant Spanish Colonial features, including the San Juan Acequia.”

“We are very pleased to partner with the National Park Service on this project that expands the boundary of this historical park, a UNESCO World Heritage site and an important part of Texas history,” said Grace Lee, the Trust's executive director.

Traveler footnote: To learn more about San Antonio Missions National Historical Park, download the Traveler's podcasts on the park, found here, here, here, here, and here.