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Time, History, and the River Flowing Together
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| The timeless Rio San Antonio |
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When the Spanish explorers and missionaries arrived here in 1691, they marveled at the abundant water of the river, the lush greenery, towering trees, and shady banks that attracted large numbers of animals and birds. The river became the centerpiece of a complex water system built to supply our five Spanish missions that were established here between 1718 and 1731.
Mission San Antonio de Valero – better known as the Alamo – was the first to be nourished by the river. Water for drinking, irrigation, and livestock was diverted from the river into stone-lined ditches or acequias. In fact, San Antonio has the oldest and largest Spanish Colonial water system in what is now the United States.
The River Walk itself has a history that dates back to 1921. From the earliest days of San Antonio, the river flooded repeatedly whenever there were heavy rains. The worst flood occurred in 1921; there was a tremendous destruction of property and tragic loss of life. There was serious talk of paving over the river and turning it into an underground storm drain. Luckily, some far-sighted citizens waged a spirited and creative campaign to influence public opinion, and the River was saved. The River then found another friend – a brilliant and visionary architect named Robert H. H. Hugman. Today, he is called the Father of the River Walk. The results of his talent and genius are all around you today on the River Walk.
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