Historical Marker
Our Lady of Refuge Catholic Church
Refugio, Refugio County · Texas
Erected 1994
The mission behind this parish was the last Spanish mission founded in Texas. At its final site here it was formally dedicated on January 10, 1795, and in 1807 the people of the closed Rosario Mission were merged into it. Comanche and Karankawa attacks, quarrels within the mission and an unstable food supply wore it down. In July 1824 Governor José Antonio Saucedo ordered it secularized and its goods carted to La Bahía. Its baptismal books record Karankawas above all, but also Copanes, Cocos, Cojanes, Guapites, Malaguitas, Piguiques and Pamiques.
What the plaque says
Our Lady of Refuge Catholic Church This Church traces its history to Nuestra Senora del Refugio (our Lady of Refuge), a Spanish mission established in 1791 (30 mi. NE). The mission relocated here in 1795. The 1868 building was razed, and in 1901 an impressive Victorian/Romanesque sanctuary was completed here. School, convent, and auditorium facilities were added in 1946. This church, which represents the area's unique blend of Spanish and Irish heritage, continues to serve the local community. (1995)
Where it stands
28.29410, -97.27759 · Directions
More markers nearby
- Empresario James Power — 0.2 mi
- Refugio County — 0.2 mi
- Refugio County Courthouses — 0.2 mi
- Sally Scull — 0.2 mi