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Built
between 1731-1745, under the direction of the Franciscan Missionaries from
Mission San Francisco de la Espada, the aqueduct carried the waters of the
acequia of Mission San Francisco de la Espada across Piedras Creek and
provided irrigation for surrounding farmlands. Two arches constructed of
limestone span the creek. It is the only structure of its kind remaining in
the United States.
The
Conservation Society purchased a 1.5 acre strip of land along the north
boundary of the Espada Aqueduct in April, 1937. In September, 1978, it
deeded the property to the San Antonio River Authority, in order to
facilitate the construction of the flood control bypass of Piedras Creek.
Work on the flood control project was begun in July, 1979, and completed in
May, 1981. The aqueduct is no longer threatened by periodic flooding. The
aqueduct was designated a National Historic Landmark by the United States
Department of the Interior on October 15, 1966. The Society transferred its
ownership of the aqueduct property to the National Park Service for
inclusion in the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park on February
20, 1983. |
