| Page Views: 9,363 Last Visit to San Antonio: January, 2008 I Visit Here Frequently | San Antonio--La Ciudad...A Walk Thru History by VeronicaG - last update: Feb 28, 2008 |
UPDATE (January 2008): We took our son's family to San Antonio for New Year's Eve this year. They were visiting from Chile, so it was quite the spectacle for them. The dazzling Christmas lights strung along the River Walk and the festive atmosphere made our visit over the holiday a wonderful event! I've added several new tips...
Last year my husband and I traveled to San Antonio for Christmas (2006). The holiday is a terrific time to stop by this lovely historic city. The Riverwalk is pulsing with excitement, the colorful lights glimmering over the canal create a holiday that's memorable.
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(Summer 2006) I've been wanting to see San Antonio for a very long time. This dream was realized recently when my husband, grandson and I flew there from the Dallas area. We had just moved here from New Jersey and were anxious to explore our new home state.
San Antonio doesn't seem like the 7th largest city in the United States. It has the feel of a small, historic neighborhood. Perhaps because most of the historic sites are located within the same area.
Spain claimed this region in the 1500's. It was settled by Spanish missionaries and immigrants from the Canary Islands. Five historic missions were built here from 1718-1731, all located near the San Antonio river (once known as the Yanaguana, by native Indians)
The first mission to be constructed was Mision San Antonio de Valero, which later became known as The Alamo. It received its name in the early 1800's when the Spanish military occupied the former mission and named it in honor of their hometown, Alamo de Parras, Coahuila.
Four other missions, Concepcion, San Jose, San Juan and Espada, are still standing today and are active parishes. They are part of the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park and are open daily from 9 am-5 pm with the exception of Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day. There is no charge to view them.
The River Walk was first conceived by architect, Robert H.H. Hugman in the l920's, according to our guide on the Rio San Antonio Boat Cruise. Originally just the back of office buildings faced the river. Due to his efforts, the River Walk has evolved into the tourist attraction it is today.
The narrow river snakes three miles through the town where restaurants and shops line its edges. Crowds of people were there to experience all that the city has to offer when we visited a few days ago. The atmosphere was spirited and friendly! We hope to visit often. |
| St. Anthony--Patron Saint of San Antonio |
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 Comments for VeronicaG about San Antonio | | | | |
hunterV Sun Jun 28, 2009 21:35 UTC
~ Hi, Veronica~! Thanx for your excellent stories! | hopang Wed May 13, 2009 15:50 UTC
San Antonio certainly has a lot to offer! The Alamo, river cruise, IMAX Theatre, the Tower of Americas, Arneson River Theatre and San Antonio Missions certainly look attractive to visit. Thanks for sharing. ~ho & pang | himalia11 Mon Aug 4, 2008 19:01 UTC
That really looks like a nice & interesting place, I'm not surprised you visit this town often! | volopolo Fri Mar 28, 2008 17:19 UTC
Nice page about San Antonio |
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