Why was San Antonio founded, and which mission and presidio were built there?

San Antonio was founded in the early 18th century due to Spanish colonial efforts to establish a presence in the region and protect their territory from French incursion. They aimed to solidify their claim over the area, convert the Native American population to Christianity, and develop a buffer zone against the French colonial expansion from Louisiana.

The mission that was built there is known as the Mission San Antonio de Padua, more commonly referred to as the Alamo. It was founded on May 1, 1718, by Franciscan missionaries, and it was named after St. Anthony of Padua. Its primary purpose was to convert local Native Americans to Christianity and integrate them into Spanish colonial society.

A military installation, or presidio, known as the Presidio San Antonio de Bexar, was also established almost simultaneously. The presidio was intended to provide protection for the mission and the settlers in the area against hostile Native American groups and potential encroachment by foreign powers.