Spring Break-SA Riverwalk

After two days at SeaWorld we decided to end our time in San Antonio at the Riverwalk.  We waited in a really long line to board the boat, waited again to depart, as we were departing a little girl on the front of the boat got motion sickness and threw up everywhere, so it took another 20 minutes to get on another boat....ahhhh, memories :)

Faith and Daddy ready to get this party started...

Willie enjoying his snack while waiting a bit longer

Will incredibly enthused to take a picture with mommy :)

This twin cypress tree to the right, behind the bridge, was used by a Mexican sniper to kill Texans as they came to the river for water, is one of the tallest near the rear of the old Veramendi Palace.

History of the Riverwalk:

In the beginning, Spanish Explorers used the waterway to supply water to their missions. Mission San Antonio de Valero, also known as The Alamo, was the first to benefit from it. The river flooded its banks many times. In September 1921 the worst flood in its history killed over fifty people and caused millions of dollars in damage to the city. City planners struggled over what to do while large debates rang among the people. One man, an architect named Robert H. H. Hugman proposed a plan that would turn the area into a beautiful urban park with apartments, dining, shopping, boat rides and walk ways lit with old-fashioned street lamps. He wanted it to be just as if one were walking in Venice, Italy. After convincing city officials and business leaders of the financial benefits of his plan, the dream became a reality and the riverwalk was eventually sculpted into the masterpiece you see today.

 

Later, in the 1930's, many efforts were made to clean and beautify the river by groups like the San Antonio Advertising Club, Daughters of the American Revolution San Antonio chapter, and the San Antonio Real Estate Board. Hugman worked many years with the city to construct the plans for the riverwalk, however, despite their best efforts it would be years before the riverwalk could be called a success due to low business volumes and a high level of crime. The 1960's, on the other hand, was a great time for improvement and growth. Paseo Del Rio Association was established in 1969 to promote the continuous improvement and development of the riverwalk.

Today, the people of San Antonio continue to preserve its history and beauty and develop its economic resources. It truly is one of the greatest vacation destinations in the United States.