San Antonio has plenty of fun facts, but did you know that the only Spanish aqueduct in the US is in the Alamo City? We're taking you on a field trip to the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park and learning about this ancient waterway.

Go with the flow

The TL;DR on aqueducts is that these are man-made waterways — usually in the shape of bridges — designed to carry water from a source to a different destination. Fun fact: The word "aqueduct" stems from Latin aqua + ducere, meaning "to lead water."

Constructed in the 18th century (between 1740 and 1745) by the Spanish, the Espada Aqueduct carries water south across a ~300-ft stone bridge from Piedras Creek to Mission Espada. At the time, the six-mile acequia irrigation route was used for the mission's farmland and allowed the commune to have a source of running water.

Make it a picnic and listen to the flowing waters of the Espada Dam in San Antonio. | Photo by the National Park Service

A dam miracle

The Espada Dam was essential to the mission's survival, as it worked in tandem with the acequia to supply drinking + irrigation water. The dam still diverts water into the Espada Acequia System, and can be seen today via a short walk from the parking lot. It's also the last surviving Spanish-built dam in San Antonio.

Fun fact: The San Juan Acequia system supplies water to the San Juan Farm, which is actively managed by the National Park Service.

Plan your visit

Check out these historical structures for yourself and visit the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park, open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Pro tip: Park your car at 9045 Espada Rd. and go for a nature hike — you may see turtles sunbathing or other native wildlife.