Statement of Significance (as of designation - June 23, 1986):
Founded in 1721 by the Spanish to check French expansion into east Texas, the presidio played a part in maintaining the international balance of power between Spain and France. It served as administrative capitol for the province of Texas from 1751 to 1770 before being abandoned in 1773. One of the few Spanish presidios in the borderlands that has not been impacted by modern agricultural practices or urban expansion, it provides opportunities to reconstruct life at a Spanish colonial frontier settlement, including European-Indian interdependency.

Condition:
Ownership passed from NPS to the state on 10/13/04.