River Walk

Near mid-town San Antonio Texas, a cluster of springs located on the edge of the Balcones Fault, give rise to the San Antonio River. It was used by early Spaniards as a water supply for their missions, including the San Antonio de Valero (otherwise known as “The Alamo”).

Following the establishment of Texas as an independent Republic, then a US state, as the town grew up around the river, floods were not too infrequent. In 1921 a great flood killed over 50 people and cost millions of dollars in damages to the surrounding city. Discussions were held regarding what to do with the river course and until an Architect named Robert H. Hugman intervened, the riverway may have become a cemented storm and sewer drain. But this architect had a vision for the river, wanting to see it become an urban park with boat rides, lamps, restaurants, shops, motels, etc. By 1939 the plan was underway and by 1941, the first dams to control the river, along with the walkways and stairs were completed. The first restaurant opened in 1946, but for the next couple decades, the area languished for lack of funding and increasing crime.

By the mid-1960’s however, serious improvements began with hotels being added in preparation for the 1968 World’s Fair hosted in San Antonio. By that time, the “Riverwalk” was launched into Texas history as a romantic and scenic tourist destination.  Today, the 2.5 mile walk brings in annual revenue of over $800 million from the hundreds of thousands of tourists who come to see the beautifully and meticulously maintained gardens that line the river (as seen here) and enjoy the myriad of restaurants, shops, bars, night clubs and businesses that line this unique destination.

Photo by Tim Cooney 04/2025