The Espada Acequia System

The Espada Acequia System runs from Espada Park on Military Dr., just w. of the San Antonio River to Mission San Francisco de la Espada in San Antonio Missions National Historical Park. Built by Franciscans and Mission Indians in 1745, the dam controlled the river and filled a network of acequias (irrigation ditches) that furnished water to the Spanish colonial Mission Espada. Remnants of sluice gate foundations are visible near Mission Espada; the aqueduct still carries water over Piedras Creek to nearby farms.