This Week: Mission Espiritu Santo

The mission was founded in 1722 and originally located near the coast on Matagorda Bay.  It's main purpose was to minister to the Karankawa Indians.  The mission moved to the current location in 1749 and soon found success as a cattle ranch.  In fact Goliad has been called the birthplace of Texas Cattle ranching. 

The building gradually fell into disrepair after it became a secular church in 1830.  In 1930 the structure was restored as part of the Works Progress Administration program and became a part of the Goliad State Park in 1931.

Photoblog Postscript: the end of play by chromasia