Most Texas Missions had a ranch as part of their operation. These ranches were located miles away from the Mission to keep livestock out of the farm area. Usually, the ranches contained cattle, sheep, and goats. Often they contained horses, as well as, donkeys and mules. The livestock and their isolated location made them a prime target for raiding Apaches, and later arriving Comanches. All of the San Antonio Missions ranches had a structure of some kind that served as a base of operation and as a place of protection. The only one of these who's location is known is that of Mission San Francisco de Espada. It was called Rancho de las cabras - the goat ranch. Rancho de las cabras is located at the junction of Pecoas creek and the San Antonio River near Floresville, Texas. Today it is in ruins, and no reconstruction is planned.
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Las Cabras as it would have looked in the 18th century
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Roadside marker on Hwy. 97
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The roadside marker incorrectly identifies Las Cabras as a mission and a visita. It was nether. It was a home to the native cowboys.
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Sign placed at a nearby park by the NPS.
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Sign at entrance to site
Remains of foundations
Area marked as 1 on the drawing
This is the site of a completed archaeology excavation. It was covered with sand and protective fabric.
Wall foundations. The stone used was sandstone that can be found in the area
Church wall foundations
1936 Texas Centennial marker
Most of the information on the Centennial marker is incorrect.
These structures are not mission period. They are of more recent construction. Who made them, and what their intended purpose was, remains a mystery.
Archeologists found several large holes that had been dug by treasure hunters. Hopefully in the future the National Park Service will be able to protect the site. There are only a few tours to the site each year. Anyone interested should contact the Visitors Center at San Jose mission in San Antonio.
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