TAKING A “RIVER WALK” THROUGH HISTORY

By Drew Henry

San Antonio was settled as a Spanish mission all the way back in 1718. As a 305-yearold city, we have got over 100 years on Austin, Dallas and Houston. As such, you can find remnants of history around every corner, especially along the river that fueled the development of the original missions. The River Walk itself is historic! So, take a “River Walk” through history and discover over three centuries of art, architecture and culture.

The San Antonio River Walk

In 1929, architect Robert H.H. Hugman pitched a plan to San Antonio civic leaders to beautify the river while addressing severe flooding issues. It took 10 years before the project broke ground, but year by year progress was made: In 1941, rock walkways, stairs, walls and the Arneson River Theatre were completed, and the first river parade was held; Casa Rio was the first restaurant to open in 1946; the first landscaping project was completed in 1956; in 1961, a new plan suggested that all buildings lining the river be designed with basement space that opens at the River Level; 1968 brought Hemisfair ’68 to San Antonio, and many construction projects were completed in advance including the convention center complex; and many milestones later (and 15 miles of River Walk later), this beautiful, most visited tourist attraction in Texas thrives with year-round entertainment. For a complete historical timeline, visit www.TheSanAntonioRiverWalk.com.

The Alamo

Of course, you remember The Alamo! After all, this is where San Antonio’s history all began. Located in the city’s center, steps from the River Walk, The Alamo is one of five historic missions built in the 18th century by Catholic missionaries. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is most known for the Battle of the Alamo in 1836, and the lore of figures like Davy Crockett. You can tour the site for free as well as explore more than 500 priceless artifacts at the newly opened Ralston Family Collections Center. Immerse yourself in the battle and rich history of The Alamo.

La Villita

While The Alamo is San Antonio’s oldest structure, La Villita is its oldest neighborhood. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, this square features a range of architectural styles, including adobe, Victorian and vernacular limestone buildings that evoke age-old charm. Today, the site celebrates the city’s art and culture. There are more than 25 shops and art galleries to explore, and the square hosts over 200 cultural events yearly. These events include Fiesta’s famous Night in Old San Antonio and performances at the Arneson River Theatre. Here, you can also dine at some of the city’s oldest restaurants, including Fig Tree and Little Rhein Prost Haus.

San Fernando Cathedral

Located at one end of Main Plaza (Plaza de las Islas), San Fernando Cathedral was founded on March 9, 1731 by 16 families who came from the Canary Islands to colonize San Antonio. It is the oldest continuously functioning religious community, as well as the oldest standing church, in Texas. Main Plaza was designed in 1730 with a set of radiating streets forming a cross with San Fernando in the center.

Guenther House

If you head south along the river, you will run into Guenther House in San Antonio’s historic Southtown. You will know when you find it because the charming stone house sits in front of the giant Pioneer Flour Towers. Carl Hilmar Guenther founded the original Guenther Flour Mill in the mid-1800s. He situated his mill along the San Antonio River to harvest the power of the current to produce the best flour in Texas. Today, you can eat in the historic home, serving up authentic Pioneer Flour pancakes. You can also explore the attached museum to catch a look at antique baking accessories and commemorative mill dishware.

Click On This

THE JAPANESE TEA GARDEN www.SAParks.org

MAIN PLAZA www.MainPlaza.org

MISSION ADVENTURE TOURS www.MAT-Tx.com

THE SAN ANTONIO RIVER WALK www.TheSanAntonioRiverWalk.com

SAN FERNANDO CATHEDRAL www.SFCathedral.org

WITTE MUSEUM www.WitteMuseum.org

Tile Spottings

Twin Cypress

Old Mill Crossing

Menger Mosaics

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Maverick

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JUAN O’GORMAN’S CONFLUENCE OF CIVILIZATIONS MURAL

Jumping ahead into more recent history, our next stop takes us to the 1968 World’s Fair. The city was bustling with new hotels and art projects to delight the influx of visitors. One particular project caught everyone’s eye — Juan O’Gorman’s Hemisfair ’68 mosaic. Today, his “Confluence of Civilizations” mural is displayed proudly on the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center facing the river. This 130 x 22-foot mural comprises 540 panels weighing over 100 pounds each. The size and scale amaze as your eye travels through a tapestry of Mexican history spanning the Aztecs to the Mexican Revolution.

San Jose Tiles On The River Walk And At The Witte Museum

Named for Mission San Jose, these painted clay tiles adorn the River Walk with bursts of color and vibrant storytelling. Single tiles can fetch a price tag of hundreds, but the worth of these mosaics and the history they hold is priceless. Production began in the 1920s when Ethel Wilson Harris hired craftsmen to keep the folk arts of Mexico flourishing. In 1934, Harris moved her workshop to the grounds of Mission San Jose. You can get an up-close and personal look at these gems right on the River Walk.

In addition to spotting San Jose tiles in the wild, you can visit the “San Jose Tiles: The Art & Artist” exhibit at the Witte Museum through August 13. Along with the Witte’s permanent collection of San Jose Tiles, this exhibition features 45 tiles, murals, photographs and other objects, as well as the stories of their creators. Discover the colorful history of San Antonio and the rich stories preserved through art.

The Japanese Tea Garden

As you continue north along the river, you will discover an unexpected, hidden San Antonio gem — the Japanese Tea Garden. Located in Brackenridge Park, this lush garden sits on the former spot of an abandoned rock quarry. After the quarry closed operations in 1908, the site presented challenges for park leadership looking to create a relaxing urban retreat. The solution was transforming the spot into a lush lily pond and meditation garden. Completed in the 1920s, the site features koi ponds, a 60-foot waterfall and rows of weaving stone paths that meander through verdant foliage. The site honors San Antonio’s history of limestone quarrying and cultural diversity, earning its designation as a landmark on the National Register of Historic Places. Stroll the grounds and stay for tea at the Jingu House restaurant on the park’s crest.

MISSION ADVENTURE TOURS— HEART OF OLD SAN ANTONIO WALKING TOUR

We have covered some of the River Walk’s top historical spots, but there is so much more to see. Take in the sights and get all the stories on Mission Adventure Tours’ Heart of San Antonio Walking Tour. This twoand-a-half-mile route covers points of interest, including The Alamo, San Fernando Cathedral, the Spanish Governor’s Palace and more. Your guide covers key moments in history spanning the 18th and 19th centuries. This is an excellent experience for history buffs and first-time visitors looking to get an understanding of San Antonio’s layout and culture. Book online and get ready to jump into the pages of history!

WRITER’S BIO

Drew Henry is a writer, yogi and meme enthusiast. When he is not writing, he is out exploring all Texas has to offer. View his portfolio at DrewHenryWrites.com and follow his antics on Instagram at @ drewhenrywrites.