Nuestra Senora de la Candelaria Mission was the third mission under that name founded in Texas. Franciscan missionaries established it near here on the Nueces River in 1762 for the conversion of the Indians and the protection of Spanish lands. Like many Spanish missions in Texas, Candelaria had twice moved closer to centers of civilization since its first founding in 1749 on the San Gabriel River. The first Candelaria, troubled by friction between friars and soldiers, was abandoned in 1755 and moved to the San Marcos River, where the friars soon found that the Indians were more concerned with protection than with Christianity. The mission was discontinued again in 1757. Re-established here in 1762, it quickly drew about 100 Lipan-Apaches to live within its walls, and a chapel, a large thatched building, a house, and possibly other structures were erected. Difficulties again arose, including scarcity of meat, unrest and insincerity among the mission Indians, inadequate defense, and devastating raids by Comanches and Apaches. About 1767 the mission was abandoned for the last time, and little remains because Anglo settlers in the 1800's took its smooth building stones to build their houses.