Granary

In this semi-arid land, a reliable food supply was crucial to a mission's success. The promise of security and regular meals drew nearby Indian groups including the Arcahomos, Malahuitos, Pacaos, and Tacames into the new community. Crops from fertile fields and distant ranches were stored in this granary, the largest stone building in the mission complex. According to Guidelines for a Texas Mission, 1787, every Monday women came for corn rations, with married women receiving two-thirds of a bushel of unshucked corn and widows receiving a third or a half bushel, while nine quarts were given when shelled corn was available. Indian women also regularly sought sweets, lard, beans, chilli, and many other foods. The Franciscans introduced new foods and spices including cumin, oregano, pepper, cinnamon, saffron, garlic, and rosemary, all then unknown in Texas, while chilies and corn had come north from Mexico and were already staples in the local Indian diet.

San Antonio, Texas · United States