All the San Antonio missions' need for irrigation for the crops necessitated an elaborate system of
acequias, or irrigation ditches, to channel water. The Spanish constructed
seven acequias, five dams, and an aqueduct, using American Indian workers. This
system extended 15 miles and irrigated 3,500 acres of land. The Espada Aqueduct
was constructed in 1745 by Franciscans to serve the mission lands of Espada. It
is the only remaining Spanish aqueduct in the United States. The Espada
Aqueduct is a National Historic Landmark located near Mission de la Espada. Espada Acequia has also been documented by
the Historic American Buildings Survey.
Normally, I would have zoomed right past something called an aqueduct!!! But, as long as I was out there, I decided to stop and take a look at it. It was really VERY interesting how the water was channeled to the missions. I was glad I stopped!
It's a shame you need a sign to tell people the obvious!
Part of the Aqueduct runs through The Alamo.
I don't know if someone was going to start a fire, or a bird decided to build her nest on the ground rather than in a tree!
