They subjugated the Aztecs. They massacred the Incas. Gold and precious stones flowed like tap
water into Spanish coffers. The New
World, it seemed, was easy pickings for the mighty Spanish Conquistadors. Superior firearms, along with superior
European tactics, could overcome any tribe of godless savages.
So they thought.
Since the late 1600's, the Comanches dominated West
Texas. Superior horsemanship gave them
an unprecedented advantage over their adversaries. Fearing the Comanches growing dominance, the
Lipan Apaches of South Central Texas needed a powerful ally. The Spaniards were their best prospect. In 1757, Franciscan monks established the
Mission Santa Cruz de San Saba near present day Menard, Texas. Having expressed an interest in Christianity,
the Apaches convinced the missionaries that they wanted to become peaceful civilized
Catholics. The missionaries were also anxious
to establish a mission to help end a bitter conflict between the Apaches and foster
mining operations near the San Saba River. What the missionaries failed to
realize, however, was that they were being played. The Apaches never took up residence near the
mission nor attended services. To make
matters worse, they bragged about their powerful new ally; Conquistadors armed with canons, swords and muskets. Rather than instilling fear into the
Comanches, the Apaches only ticked them
off.
Along with their well armed neighbors, the Wichitas, the
Comanches assembled a force of 2,000
warriors on horseback then rode out looking for the Apaches. They descended on the Santa Cruz mission and
massacred the monks, including their leader Father Alonso Giraldo de Terreros. Those that survived were barricaded in a
nearby presidio (or fort) commanded by
Colonel Ortiz Parrilla. Father Terreros
had purposely built the presidio away from the mission in hopes of not provoking
the Indians.
In September 1759, Colonel
Parrilla gathered a force of 600 Spaniards and Apaches to pursue the
Comanches. Little did he know that the
Comanches were as well-armed, if not better armed, than his command. Redoubtable as traders as well as warriors,
the Comanches had a lucrative relationship with French traders along the Red
River. Muskets were obtained in exchange
for horses which they had plenty of. The
French also provided military assistance with advice on defensive works,
something Comanches are not generally known for.
At Spanish Fort, in present
day Montague County, Parrilla encountered a stout earthen fortress of
entrenched Indians and possibly a few French. The canons had no effect on the fortress while
the Comanches flanked the Spaniards with mounted attacks. Parrilla was forced to fall back, leaving
behind nineteen or more dead. It was to
be the Spaniards high water mark in Texas.
The Mission Santa Cruz de San Saba was the only mission in Texas to be
completely destroyed by Native Americans.
Ten years later the presidio was closed.
The Spaniards were never able to settle in Comanche territory.
