Original Manuscript plan for San Antonio de Bexar presidio
Pen and ink on paper, Ca. 1725, 12.25" x 17"

The plan for a new fortification at San Antonio was conceived by the Marques de San Miguel de Aguayo during his 1721-22 expedition to Texas. The plan shows the large presidio with the San Antonio and San Pedro rivers flanking, explanatory text in verso. Apparently, four other copies exist (See Frank de la Teja "San Antonio de Bexar" alburqerque, 1995 and Richard Sanots "Aguayo Expedition to Texas, 1721 (Austin 1981).

In 1718, French presence in East Texas under the leadership of explorer St. Denis had forced the abandonment of Spanish missions in that area. In 1719, Aguayo, a wealthy land owner in Coahuila, volunteered to drive the French out of territory claimed by Spain. As a result, he was appointed governor and capitan general of the provinces of Coahuila and Texas.

The original San Antonio des Bexar had been established at a mid point between the east Texas missions and the Rio Grande, in 1718. After Aguayo re-established and re-fortified the eastern missions with his men, he recognized the growing importance the midway point would have and made plans were increasing its size. San Antonio would later be named capital of Spanish Texas.

When Aguayo left Texas, the number of missions had increased from two to 10, and the number of presidios from one to four. He convinced Louis de St. Denis, commander of the French forces, to withdraw to Natchitoches (La.), and secured the area for Spanish rule so completely that it was never again disputed by the French.

Aguayo also recommended that 400 families be recruited to settle the area east of San Antonio, marking the beginning of Spanish colonization in Texas. Aguayo regarrisoned San Antonio de Bexar, but this plan for a large garrison fort was never carried though to completion. Probably only the foundations described in the written text were completed. Text translated says: There was a fortification marked by the Marques de San Miguel de Aguayo; and he left all the foundations built and a great part of the construction with orders to finish in a short time, leaving the lumber and all the materials at the foot of the site.

In June, 1722, Aguayo resigned from governorship of Cohuila and Texas because of poor health resulting from hardships during his expedition. He returned to his hacienda and was not present to oversee his presidio project. Aguayo died in 1734.