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  The History Trail

Sponsored by the

Professional Tour Guide Association

of San Antonio

As you visit these history stations, you will have the opportunity to learn more about each topic from professional tour guides, who will entertain you with true stories and amazing legends. 

HISTORIC & MEMORABLE EVENTS San Antonio has a rich and unique history.  Hear some of the amazing stories and events that have happened over the last three centuries.   Here you can learn about the first San Antonio fire station in Alamo Plaza, the first demonstration of barbed wire, the mesquite pavers, and the Menger Hotel.

THE WATERS  The San Antonio River begins at a group of springs on the campus of Incarnate Word University.  The largest of these springs is called the Blue Hole.  Visitors in the 1800s describe the spring gushing many feet in the air from the earth.  When the Spanish missionaries arrived in 1718 they and the Indian converts began building a system of irrigation ditches, called “acequias” throughout the area.  This system brought water from the San Antonio River to the missions.

THE ARCHITECTURE  When you stand in the middle of the Alamo grounds, you can see buildings from the 1700s, the 1800s, the 1900s, and the current century.  Many of our older buildings began with one purpose, and are now used for something completely different.  You can learn how our city has changed over the years.

THE GARDENS  The native people were hunter-gatherer Indian tribes.  They collected native plants and hunted wild animals for their food.  When the missionaries arrived, they brought new foods and taught the Indians to become farmers and ranchers.  As colonists from different cultures arrived, their influence was added to the mix.  The food we enjoy today is a result of many influences joining together.  

Visitors to the History Trail are encouraged to enjoy at their own pace and take as long as they need or as little time as they wish.  Interested folks may complete the entire trail or visit just one or two stations.  The PTGASA is there to share their knowledge of history and folklore and hope to enhance your Founders Day experience.

Kids – The site of the Explorer’s HideAway has moved to the Gardens area.  Look for signs directing you to its fun location.  Go there to get your Pasaporte for use on the History Trail.  Once you have finished the History Trail and have collected all of your stamps, go back to the Explorer’s Hideaway.  There you will receive a very special gift and memento of San Antonio Founders Day!

The Founders Day Pasaporte was designed several years ago by Thelma Ortiz Muraida.