A History of Mission Dolores

San Augustine, Texas – On Saturday, June 24, Mission Dolores State Historic Site will host a free program with Dr. Francis X. Galan, author of the award-winning book, Los Adaes: the First Capital of Spanish Texas.

Galan, Associate Professor of History at Texas A&M University-San Antonio, will be discussing what he discovered about the history of Mission Dolores during his research done while preparing to write his book on the East Texas missions and presidios founded in our region during the Spanish colonial period.

Dr. Galan will be leading two sessions on Saturday, June 24—one from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. and a second from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.

There will be a limited number of Dr. Galan’s book available for purchase at the program.  Dr. Galan is happy to sign copies of his book for attendees.

Established in 1717 by Spanish settlers, Mission Dolores played an important role in shaping the Spanish experience with some of Texas’ earliest European immigrants. “We are honored and excited to host Dr. Galan to hear what he has learned about Mission Dolores’ early history as explored in his fascinating book, Los Adaes, the First Capital of Spanish Texas,” said Lisa Savage, Educator/Interpreter at Mission Dolores State Historic Site. “The early Spanish settlers of East Texas played a significant role in shaping the communities that became multicultural melting pots of Spanish, French and Native American culture and traditions that endure even to this day. Dr. Galan’s book takes a deep dive into the who, why and how.”

Dr. Galan’s book, Los Adaes, the First Capital of Spanish Texas, won the 2022 book award from the Texas Old Missions and Forts Restoration Association and in March 2023, won a book award from the San Antonio Conservation Society Foundation.

Admission to the program is free and suitable for those age 14 and older.