Mission Dolores State Historic Site

Mission Dolores State Historic Site Explore the history of the Spanish in East Texas as they interact with the Native Americans, French, and the environment of the Spanish Borderlands.

Mission Dolores was a Spanish mission built in 1721 in what is now San Augustine County, just 20 miles west of the Texas-Louisiana border. The site tells an important history about the Native American experience with Texas’ earliest European settlers. Today, there are no historic above-ground remains of the mission. The mission site has been confirmed by archeological investigations and historical

records. Mission Dolores is listed in the National Register of Historic Places and is a designated State Antiquities Landmark. El Camino Real de los Tejas National Historic Trail also passes through the property. Visitors can explore the site’s history at the museum where interpretive displays tell the story of Mission Dolores. The property also has a campground, picnic area, and group pavilions. CONTENT GUIDELINES

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Our muscadine grapes are ripening on the vine.  Grapes are free to pick on a first come, first served basis.  Bring your...
08/25/2026

Our muscadine grapes are ripening on the vine. Grapes are free to pick on a first come, first served basis. Bring your own bucket or basket.

*If you would like to make your own basket for grapes, stop into the museum or call 936-275-3815 for more information.

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Today marks the 305th anniversary of the establishment of Mission Dolores at its present site.  Spanish priests occupied...
08/23/2026

Today marks the 305th anniversary of the establishment of Mission Dolores at its present site. Spanish priests occupied the first Mission Dolores for only two years before retreating from French attacks at Los Adaes. They returned to East Texas in 1721 to rebuild the mission approximately 1.5 miles from its original location. The newly rebuilt Mission Nuestra Senora de los Dolores de los Ais remained in operation until 1773, when the Spanish government ordered everyone at the remaining East Texas Missions to return to Bexar (San Antonio). Today, nothing remains of the mission above ground, but archaeological excavations have proven the mission’s location. Using written and archaeological information from Mission Dolores and other 18th Century Spanish sites, we are now building a living history site on the original grounds so visitors can experience mission life firsthand. Follow us here for updates on this new addition to Mission Dolores State Historic Site.

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¡Feliz cumpleaños!  Today marks the 369th anniversary of Father Antonio Margil de Jesus’ birth. Born in Valencia, Spain ...
08/18/2026

¡Feliz cumpleaños! Today marks the 369th anniversary of Father Antonio Margil de Jesus’ birth. Born in Valencia, Spain on August 18th, 1657, Father Margil dedicated his adult life to missionary work in the Spanish colonies. He worked extensively in Mesoamerica where he founded and was appointed the first guardian of College of Guadalupe de Zacatecas, a Franciscan missionary college in what is now Mexico. Known for walking barefoot, he accompanied the Ramon expedition into East Texas in 1716. During his sojourn in the Piney Woods, Father Margil helped establish six missions including Mission Nuestra Senora de los Dolores de los Ais. He returned to Mission Dolores in 1721 and remained there for a time, citing it as his favorite of the East Texas missions. He eventually returned to Mexico where he passed in 1726.

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Good afternoon! Friendly reminder: Mission Hill and the mission compound are closed to vehicular traffic at all times. T...
08/07/2026

Good afternoon! Friendly reminder: Mission Hill and the mission compound are closed to vehicular traffic at all times. There is ongoing construction and vehicles inside the compound are authorized contractors working on the Mission Evocation project.

For your safety and to help protect the historic grounds, please park in the museum parking lot and walk in. If you'd like to learn more about the project, stop by the museum and we'll be happy to help.

Thank you for your cooperation and understanding!

Raise the roofs! Roof beams are up and construction continues at the Mission Dolores living history display.  We are exc...
07/25/2026

Raise the roofs! Roof beams are up and construction continues at the Mission Dolores living history display. We are excited to see what the future holds.

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Do you love horses? Today is National I Love Horses Day.  Horses were integral to life in Spanish East Texas.  In 1715, ...
07/15/2026

Do you love horses? Today is National I Love Horses Day. Horses were integral to life in Spanish East Texas. In 1715, Frenchman Louis Juchereau de St. Denis recorded that “. . . The cattle left behind by the Spaniards has increased until they count now by the thousands, cattle as well as horses and the land is overrun with them.” When the Ramón expedition arrived in East Texas to establish Mission Dolores and the other missions, they found local tribes already trading horses to the French.

The soldiers who helped build Mission Dolores and continued to work there throughout the 18th century were mounted troops, expected to maintain six horses per soldier along with saddle and tack. They frequently rode as messengers between the East Texas Missions and Presidio Nuestra Senora del Pilar de Los Adaes. As Spanish expeditions travelled on horseback hauling heavy wagons along El Camino Real de los Tejas, they wore deep ruts into the land. Today, those ruts, known as swales, can be seen at places like Caddo Mounds State Historic Site in Alto, Lobanillo Swales, and here at Mission Dolores.

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Yesterday, site educator Amy Kitmacher represented Mission Dolores at the Second Annual History Expo in Jasper.  We had ...
07/11/2026

Yesterday, site educator Amy Kitmacher represented Mission Dolores at the Second Annual History Expo in Jasper. We had lots of fun meeting people from other East Texas history and archaeology organizations.

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Join us tomorrow at the Jasper County History Expo and learn about the exciting history of East Texas. ;
07/09/2026

Join us tomorrow at the Jasper County History Expo and learn about the exciting history of East Texas.

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Address

San Augustine, TX
75972

Opening Hours

Tuesday 8am - 4:30pm
Wednesday 8am - 4:30pm
Thursday 8am - 4:30pm
Friday 8am - 4:30pm
Saturday 8am - 4:30pm

Telephone

+19362753815

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