San Antonio is a major city in south–central Texas with a rich colonial heritage. The Alamo, an 18th-century Spanish mission preserved as a museum, marks an infamous 1836 battle for Texan independence from Mexico. Following the San Antonio River, the miles–long River Walk is a landmark pedestrian promenade lined with cafes and shops. HemisFair Park’s 750–ft. Tower of the Americas overlooks the city.
Remember the Alamo
The Alamo is a historic Spanish mission and fortress compound founded in the 18th century by Roman Catholic missionaries in what is now San Antonio, Texas, United States.
In its 300 years, the Alamo has shaped the city of San Antonio, ignited the battle for Texas independence, and influenced American history.
Established in 1718 as Mission San Antonio de Valero, the former mission now known as the Alamo has been a crossroads of history. Having existed under five flags of independent nations and served as a garrison for five different armies, the Alamo has a rich history and a heritage to inspire. Best known as the site of the 1836 Battle of the Alamo, the rest of the 300 year history is vital to understanding why the Battle happened and its importance.
River Walk
Robert Hugman was a young architect with a vision. His concept of winding pathways and bridges flanking the river was his beautiful solution to harnessing the river running through downtown. It also managed heavy seasonal rains, saving both lives and dollars. It wasn’t until much later that the full vision of the father of the River Walk realized its’ full potential.
The San Antonio River Walk is 15 miles long and flows through about 5 miles of downtown San Antonio. While there is no specific River Walk address, you can use the Shops at Rivercenter located on the River Walk as your GPS guide
The River Walk, or Paseo del Rio, is a San Antonio treasure and the largest urban ecosystem in the nation. Tucked quietly below street level and only steps away from the Alamo, it provides a serene and pleasant way to navigate the city.
River Cruises
GO RIO’s 35–minute San Antonio River Walk boat tour connects you to the city’s culture, history, architecture, and timeless charm.
Step aboard a River Cruising Barge for an exciting and entertaining narrative of the rich history of the San Antonio River! Cruises are covering one and a half miles of the beautiful San Antonio River Walk.
The new fleet of electric boats are quiet, roomy, ADA accessible, and environmentally–friendly. Tours are offered at 10 am-10 pm daily. During peak periods, hours of operation my be extended. Boats do not run during inclement weather.
La Villita historic village
Located on the south bank of the San Antonio River, La Villita was San Antonio’s first neighborhood. It was originally a settlement of primitive huts for the Spanish soldiers stationed at the Mission San Antonio Valero (the Alamo). After a flood in 1819, brick, stone and adobe houses replaced the earlier structures.
La Villita, “The Little Village”, settled about 1722 as “The Town of the Alamo”. Here General Martin de Perfecto Cos signed the Articles of Capitulation to Texians December 11, 1835 and General Santa Anna’ artillery battery fired on defenders of the Alamo in March, 1836. Later, home to German, Polish and French immigrants.
In 1939, as ground broke on the San Antonio River Walk development, city officials led by Mayor Maury Maverick acted to preserve this part of San Antonio’s history.
Mi Tierra
A landmark in San Antonio along with the Alamo and Riverwalk, Mi Tierra has been serving San Antonio for more than 80 years. Mi Tierra is well–known for its cultural and festive décor, delicious Mexican–style Breakfasts, Tex-Mex dishes and authentic Pan Dulce and Mexican candies. Mi Tierra is also home to the Mariachi Trios that have been part of El Mercado’s fabric for over 100 years.
And for the end a few more from San Antonio.....
