Adães

Adães was a Spanish mission and presidio located in what is now Louisiana, United States. It was established in 1717 as part of the Spanish effort to protect their territory from French encroachment. The site served as the capital of the province of Tejas from 1729 until 1770.

History

The mission and presidio of Adães were founded in 1717 by the Spanish to counter the French presence in the region. The mission was named San Miguel de los Adaes and was intended to convert the local Adai people to Christianity. The presidio, known as Presidio Nuestra Señora de los Dolores de los Tejas, was established to protect the mission and the surrounding area.

In 1721, the mission and presidio were moved to a new location near present-day Robeline, Louisiana. This move was part of a broader strategy to strengthen Spanish claims in the region. The new site became the capital of the province of Tejas in 1729, a status it held until 1770.

Decline and Abandonment

By the late 18th century, the Spanish presence in the region began to wane. In 1773, the Spanish government ordered the abandonment of the mission and presidio as part of a larger withdrawal from the area. The settlers and soldiers were relocated to San Antonio, and the site was left to deteriorate.

Archaeological Significance

The site of Adães is of significant archaeological interest. Excavations have revealed a wealth of information about the daily lives of the Spanish settlers and the indigenous people they interacted with. Artifacts recovered from the site include pottery, tools, and religious items.

Legacy

Today, the site of Adães is preserved as part of the Los Adaes State Historic Site. It is recognized as a National Historic Landmark and is an important part of the history of Spanish colonization in the United States.

See Also

• Spanish missions in Louisiana
• Tejas
• San Antonio
• National Historic Landmark