Long before the US won its independence, the area known as San Antonio began to attract European settlers. The Catholic Church, working with the Spanish Government, established five missions (The Alamo is one of these) along a nine-mile stretch of the scenic San Antonio River. Protected by high walls, the goal was the education of the region's Native Americans and offer sanctuary from their enemies. These Spanish missions helped form the foundation for the city of San Antonio. The four we visited were Mission Concepcion, Mission Sam Jose, Mission San Juan, and Mission Espada. The missions flourished between 1747 and 1775. It is amazing after all these years that they are still standing but the modern San Antonio community recognized early their significance and have worked hard to preserve them. These four are all run by the US National Park Service and are active Roman Catholic parishes serving the surrounding communities still today.
One of this cities premiere assets is the 2.5 mile tree-lined River Walk or Paseo del Rio, runs through the heart of the business district. It is a few steps below the city streets and provides a pleasant stroll with shops and galleries with landscaped riverbanks bordering nightspots and restaurants. This area is operated by the San Antonio Parks and Recreation Department. This is the San Antonio River that flows for 131 miles and empties into the Guadalupe River. From the earliest days, this river flooded repeatedly whenever there were heavy rains. Actually in 1921 a flood caused tremendous destruction of property and loss of life. There was serious talk at one time of paving over the river and turning it into an underground storm drain. Luckily, a visionary architect, Robert Hugman, saved the river with his creative idea of this River Walk.
One of this cities premiere assets is the 2.5 mile tree-lined River Walk or Paseo del Rio, runs through the heart of the business district. It is a few steps below the city streets and provides a pleasant stroll with shops and galleries with landscaped riverbanks bordering nightspots and restaurants. This area is operated by the San Antonio Parks and Recreation Department. This is the San Antonio River that flows for 131 miles and empties into the Guadalupe River. From the earliest days, this river flooded repeatedly whenever there were heavy rains. Actually in 1921 a flood caused tremendous destruction of property and loss of life. There was serious talk at one time of paving over the river and turning it into an underground storm drain. Luckily, a visionary architect, Robert Hugman, saved the river with his creative idea of this River Walk.Our whole experience here has been great! This is a clean, uncrowded, friendly city. After four days here, we hate to leave.
No comments:
Post a Comment