Castro Introduces Resolution Recognizing the San Antonio Missions' UNESCO World Heritage Site Designation

Press Release

Congressman Joaquin Castro (TX-20) today introduced a resolution recognizing the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) World Heritage Committee's designation of the San Antonio Missions as a World Heritage site on Sunday at the 39th Session of the World Heritage Convention in Bonn, Germany.

"The San Antonio Missions are a beautiful part of our city's living history, and I am proud they received this prestigious international honor. As the World Heritage Site designation confirms, the missions are not only a San Antonio or Texas treasure, they have universal historical and cultural significance. Many San Antonians worked for years to achieve this recognition, and their successful efforts will benefit our city's economy for generations to come."

The five San Antonio Missions, all built in the 18th century, are the only UNESCO World Heritage Site in Texas and one of just 23 in the United States. An economic impact study on the designation estimated an economic benefit for the city's economy of over a thousand jobs and more than $100 million.

The resolution was introduced with four cosponsors, all from the San Antonio delegation: Reps. Lamar Smith (TX-21), Lloyd Doggett (TX-35), Henry Cuellar (TX-28), and Will Hurd (TX-23).

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