Mission Nuestra Senora de la Candelaria
(1762-1769)

place and mission

Closed aged c. 7

Commemorated on 3 plaques

Texas Historical Marker #03566

Near Site of Nuestra Senora de la Candelaria Mission. Third mission under this name founded in Texas. Established near here on the Nueces River in 1762 by Franciscan missionaries for the conversion of the Indians and protection of Spanish lands. Typical of many Spanish missions in Texas, Candelaria had twice moved closer to centers of civilization since its first founding in 1749 on the San Gabriel River. Beset with friction between friars and soldiers, the first Candelaria was abandoned in 1755 and then moved to the San Marcos River. Soon, however, the friars found that the Indians were more concerned with protection than with Christianity. In 1757 the mission was again discontinued. In 1762 Candelaria was re-established here, and about 100 Lipan-Apaches quickly volunteered to live within its walls. A chapel, large thatched building, a house, and possibly other structures were erected. But once more, difficulties arose-- scarcity of meat, unrest and insincerity among the mission Indians, inadequate defense, devastating raids by Comanches and Apaches. About 1767 the mission was abandoned for the last time. Little remains of it today, for the smooth building stones were taken by Anglo settlers in the 1800s to build their houses. #3566

US 55, Montell, TX, United States where it sited (1762-1769)

Texas Historical Marker #04934

Site of the Mission Nuestra Senora de la Candelaria (2nd Marker). First established by Franciscan missionaries in 1749 on the San Gabriel River with the hope of civilizing and Christianizing the Coco, Mayene, Karankawa, Orcoquiza and other Indian tribes. Restablished under the same name on the San Marcos River in 1755. Removed to this site on the Nueces River for the conversion of the Lipan Apaches in 1762. Abandoned in 1769. #4934

US 55, Montell, TX, United States where it sited (1762-1769)

Site of the Mission Nuestra Senora de la Candelaria est. Feb. 1762 by Franciscan monks

, Montell, TX, United States where it sited (1762)