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The Franciscan missionaries from Mission San Francisco de la Espada directed
the construction of the aqueduct between 1731 and 1745. When finished, the
Espada aqueduct carried the waters of the mission’s acequia across the top
of two limestone arches spanning Piedras Creek, providing irrigation for
surrounding farmlands.
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, the
Society 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 began in July of 1979, and was completed
in May of 1981. As a result of this project, periodic flooding of the creek
no longer threatened the aqueduct.
The United States Department of
the Interior designated the Espada Aqueduct a National Historic Landmark 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. Today, the aqueduct
is the only structure of its kind remaining in the United States. |
