Mission Dolores State Historic Site

"A unique historic site with a great story and super friendly and helpful staff! The exhibits are well thought out and offer something for the entire family. Mission Dolores is well worth a visit if you haven't been and worth another one if it's been a minute since your last visit!"

"Mission Delores, located in East Texas, was part of the Spanish Mission system. The mission is no longer there but they have artifacts from the mission in the museum. If you enjoy learning the history of Spanish Texas, add this sight to your list."

"The Google maps pin showed the RV park (I am trying to get it fixed, hopefully). The visitor center should be the first one you see on the right after you turn to S Broadway St from Hwy 21. The pretty neat museum is there and you can get a trail map as a guide for the walking trail. There's a swale (old cart track), but it was covered by bushes so I didn't take any photos. You can follow the spray painted arrows once you cross the road following the trail map."

"I visited Mission Nuestra Senora De Los Dolores De Los Ais in San Augustine. My ancestors visited this mission and likely married into the local Indian Tribes. The ecclesiastical records of Mission Delores have been lost to time. But we know the Ais Indians were free spirited and resisted conversion to Christianity. Thus the purpose of the mission, to bring Christianity to the Indians was a failure in the eyes of the Spanish Crown. One interesting archaeological find is that 80% of the European pottery found at the site is French, indicating illicit trade with the French at Fort St. Jean Baptiste in Natchitoches. This fits with the long history of illegal smuggling of goods, cattle, and even slaves across the Texas-Louisiana Border along the El Camino Real. 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, frisbee golf course, and group pavilions."

"RV park review We had a wonderful time here the park was well maintained and you can clearly see the effort to keep the park running. We were a little concerned with the housing authority next door just not know what to expect, but it was pretty quiet and no issues. There was distant car noises but a lot quieter than some RV parks we've stayed at and I had some wonderful good nights sleep. The hookups all worked as it should and we enjoyed the picnic table and grill. Making the reservation was a little difficult as I called and no answer. I did send an email and got a response right away. I want to leave instructions for those coming here and you're from out of town and not familiar with the park. When we arrived our GPS took us to the park office/museum. We quickly found ourselves in a bit of a mess as we are a 33ft 5th wheel but glad that we were able to get ourselves out. The RV park is across the street from the museum there's the housing authority entrance which is houses or townhouse and right next to that is the park entrance. We were able to get help at the office and check in. After a long drive and wanting to arrive we were a little frustrated with the process and not knowing where to go. I know Mission Delores just went through a renovation and maybe they can implement a better reservation system online and provide some better directions to those arriving. Also put a sign for no RV's to enter the museum. Once you figure it all out it's very easy. We truly enjoyed our stay the park is well maintained and we enjoyed walking around and learning. We stayed 4 days but wished we had the time for more. Our pup loved it here she spent all her time wanting to be outside and when she was inside she spent her time looking at the window. Thank you"