Around three sides of the plaza are reproduced the living quarters of the mission Indians.
MISSION SAN FRANCISCO de la ESPADA
The wrought iron cross atop this mission is said to have been made on the premises by the founders.
Mission San Francisco de la Espada was established in 1731, the main church building in a plan including many other structures, a few of which still remain. But most have long since been destroyed. One wonders why the Mission, dedicated to St. Francis, founder of the order of Franciscans, should be referred to as St. Francis of the Sword. Tradition has it that the tower was built in the form of the hilt of a sword. One’s imagination is to project the length of the blade to complete the similarity to the whole weapon.
A number of the original statues of the Franciscans can still be seen in the chapel of Mission Espada. These are hand carved of native wood, with movable limbs. The heads have glass eyes and separately cut teeth.
A fortified tower has thirty-six-inch walls. Holes for cannon muzzles were created near the base. Musket loopholes can be seen higher.