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| An arched corridor at the Mission San José, one of four missions in the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park. Photo: Tim Thompson/Corbis |
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Heritage and Hikes
Top Museums for Lovers of Latin Art (Summer 2008) Ecuador's "Throat of Fire" Admission is often free or just a few dollars and, better still, some hotels and travel websites are easing the price at the pump with gas cards and rebates. (See box below for details.) So hit the road, but keep a light foot on the accelerator—driving the speed limit or a bit slower saves gas!
Texas: San Antonio Missions National Historical Park Franciscan friars recruited native people into mission settlements by offering food and protection from rivals in exchange for labor. The missions not only introduced the Spanish language, religion, and culture, but they also brought agriculture and industries such as ranching, carpentry, blacksmithing, masonry, and weaving to Texas.
Travel Deals The following websites offer gas discounts when making hotel reservations online*: *Certain restrictions may apply. “They recognized that the mission life was one key to survival. But the old ways—the native culture, religion, and language—were virtually eradicated,” says Tom Castaños, education coordinator, who leads interpretive tours throughout the park. “As children were born within the mission walls, the old ways were quickly forgotten. They could not go back.” Retrace the Indians’ and friars’ footsteps at San Antonio Missions National Historic Park. “We preserve the largest collection of Spanish-colonial resources in the United States,” says supervisory park ranger Al Remley. “We tell the story of Spanish-colonial life. Our programs, demonstrations, tours, and exhibits are bilingual and free.” A film, Gente de razón, tells the story of how the native people gave up so much for survival. In addition to four 18th-century mission churches—active Catholic parishes that hold Mass and welcome visitors—you’ll find a grist (flour) mill, a 270-year-old working irrigation system and aqueduct, and nature trails that are a bird watcher’s paradise with herons, egrets, owls, and woodpeckers. Open daily. Free admission. Information: 210-932-1001; www.nps.gov/saan
California: John Muir National Historic Site The Vicente Martinez Adobe, a two-story ranch house Yes, baseball great Joe DiMaggio was born in the city, and the martini—originally called the “Martinez Special”—was invented there in 1849 during the Gold Rush. But present-day Martinez exists because of Don Ygnacio Martinez. The Mexico City-born officer of Spain’s colonial army commanded the Presidio of San Francisco and became that city’s third mayor. In 1836 he settled on a large ranch, part of a land grant given to him for his military service. Martinez the city sprung from that land. So when you visit John Muir’s home, 500 yards away you’ll find the Vicente Martinez Adobe, a two-story ranch house built in 1849 by Don Ygnacio’s son. Early California exhibits and Martinez family memorabilia are displayed there. The site is also on the route that explorer Juan Bautista de Anza took from San Francisco in 1775. “A major bilingual exhibit on de Anza is in the works. That will be a draw for anyone interested in California’s Hispanic history,” says head park ranger Thaddeus Shay. Rangers lead wildflower, bird watching, and full-moon walks in the surrounding woodlands and fruit orchards, and you can also stroll on your own. Help yourself to fresh-picked fruit in wooden boxes around the park. Open Wednesday through Sunday. Admission: $3 (includes same-day entrance to Muir Woods National Monument, about an hour’s drive west of the historic site). Information: 925-228-8860; www.nps.gov/jomu
New Mexico: El Morro National Monument
Oñate had started a trend: countless Spanish explorers stopped at the oasis—located 100 miles west of Albuquerque—during the following years. They too carved signatures, dates, and messages into “El Morro” (the headlands). In the 1800s, American pioneers heading west did the same. Centuries earlier, the towering rock had already drawn the interest of the ancient Anasazi who lived in the area. Their prehistoric petroglyphs still mark the rock. “This is the only place in the United States with the written history of three cultures carved in stone and mingled in one place,” says park ranger Sarah Beckwith. Visitors can hike the half-mile Inscription Loop Trail to see thousands of inscriptions and petroglyphs. Walk two miles further, to the summit of the Mesa Top Loop Trail, and see partially excavated pueblo remains from around 1275 A.D. “It’s slightly strenuous, but very doable and worth it for the views,” Beckwith says. Open daily. Admission: $3. Information: 505-783-4226 or 505-285-4641; www.nps.gov/elmo. Visitor center exhibits and a film will introduce you to the area.
Florida: De Soto National Memorial
“This was the start of Spanish influence and forays in what is now the southeastern United States,” says park ranger Dan Stephens. “Thanks to de Soto’s chronicles, we gained knowledge of 16th-century North America. It’s not always a happy story. [It’s] full of adventure, warfare, and hardship.” Having heard tales of cities of gold, de Soto aimed to stake Spain’s claim in the new land. He and his soldiers embarked on a four-year, 4,000-mile journey during which de Soto died, in 1542, never finding the fortunes he sought. He did, however, pave the way for future explorers and forever changed North America. Through programs, exhibits, nature trails, and tours, visitors can experience Florida as it was when de Soto landed. You’ll find old maps, weapons, Native American pottery, and artifacts displayed in the visitor center, where you can try on a suit of armor and watch a film about the expedition. Open daily. Free admission. Information: 941-792-0458; www.nps.gov/deso
For information on other parks that preserve and interpret Hispanic heritage, visit the National Park Service website. These links are provided for informational purposes only. AARP does not endorse, and has no control over, or responsibility for, the linked sites or the content, advertisements, materials, products, or services available on or throughout these sites. |
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