Near Ballinger in Runnels County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
San Clemente Mission
(Site Located 10 Miles Southeast)
The first mission known to have been established in Texas east of the Pecos River, San Clemente was a hastily built, two-room structure located on a hill about 17 mi. S. of present Ballinger. (Some historians place the site farther south, near Junction.) Although earlier than the Great Spanish Mission Movement, this was one of the first (1684) in Texas and was founded by Juan Dominguez de Mendoza and Fray Nicholas Lopez.
Named for the San Clemente River (actually the Colorado), the mission was founded at the request of the Jumano Indians, who desired Christianity and the friendship of the Spanish. The building was probably constructed of logs, its lower story serving as a chapel and its upper story as a lookout post. Though they stayed only from March 15 to May 1, awaiting envoys from 48 tribes (bands), the Spaniards baptized many of their several thousand Indian allies.
Finally, being attacked by hostile Apaches, Mendoza returned with his men to El Paso six months after he had left. Although Mendoza did not know it, French explorer La Salle had landed on the Gulf Coast, 1684. This fact, plus Mendoza’s report of seeing a French flag among the Indians quickly led to other Spanish expeditions being sent to chart the Texas wilderness.
Erected 1968 by State Historical Survey Committee. (Marker Number 4530.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Churches & Religion • Colonial Era • Exploration • Native Americans. A significant historical year for this entry is 1684.
Location. 31° 38.637′ N, 99° 55.521′ W. Marker is near Ballinger, Texas, in Runnels County. Marker is on U.S. 83, half a mile Farm to Market Road 2406, on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Ballinger TX 76821, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 7 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Hoffman Cemetery (approx. 3.9 miles away); J.W. Clampitt (approx. 5.6 miles away); Colorado River Ferry Crossing (approx. 6.2 miles away); John S. Chisum (approx. 6.2 miles away); Abilene & Southern Depot (approx. 6˝ miles away); Charles H. Noyes (approx. 6.6 miles away); Ballinger (approx. 6.6 miles away); Runnels County Courthouse (approx. 6.7 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Ballinger.
Also see . . . San Clemente Mission. From the Texas State Historical Association’s “Handbook of Texas Online”. (Submitted on July 22, 2016.)
Credits. This page was last revised on November 28, 2020. It was originally submitted on July 22, 2016, by Duane Hall of Abilene, Texas. This page has been viewed 1,666 times since then and 232 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on July 22, 2016, by Duane Hall of Abilene, Texas.