La Villita Historic District
Bounded by Durango, Navarro, Alamo Sts. and San Antonio River, San Antonio, TXSan Antonio, along with Goliad and Nacogdoches, is one of the oldest European settlements in Texas. The La Villita quarter was probably inhabited as early as 1768, and the name "La Villita" first appears in records in 1792 (Connally, Ecclesiastical and Military Architecture..,p,312). Since the quarter was established on land originally belonging to the Alamo, for years La Villita was often called, "The Town of the Alamo" and had its own alcalde, or mayor.
Before the massive flood of 1819, the area had little appeal to the wealthier families of San Antonio; however, after it was discovered that the quarter was on relatively high and safe ground, it began to attract more prominent citizens. Contrary to popular folk tales, the La Villita District does not seem to have been instrumentally connected with the activities of either the Mexican Revolution against Spain, the Texas Revolution, or the Battle of the Alamo.
In the 1840s German immigrants began to move into La ta. The Germans, and later the Swiss and French immigrants modified the character of the community to a more European flavor.
In the early twentieth century the area deteriorated and a slum. The city of San Antonio, the San Antonio Conservation Society, and the National Youth Administration combined in 1939 to accomplish a two-year restoration project. The restoration of the buildings along La Villita Street preserved for San Antonio a vignette of the type of buildings that were once typical throughout the city. The San Antonio Conservation Society restored 511 Paseo de la Villita as its headquarters.
The restoration and development of La Villita was undertaken to preserve early Texas and Spanish culture, to foster arts and crafts and to provide a community center. The area has become a favorite of tourists and establishes a permanent visual record of simple vernacular building types in early Texas architecture of the nineteenth century.
Bibliography
Connally, E. A. 1955. The ecclesiastical and military architecture of the Spanish Province of Texas. Cambridge: Harvard University, unpublished dissertation.
Hagner, L. M. 1947. Alluring San Antonio. San Antonio: L.M. Hagner.
Ramsdell, C. 1959. San Antonio, A Historical and Pictorial Guide. Austin: The University of Texas Press. Ch. V.
San Antonio Chapter, American Institute of Architects. 1963. Historic San Antonio. San Antonio.
Webb, Walter P., ed. 1952. Handbook of Texas. La Villita. Austin: Texas State Historical Association.
Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1972.
The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.
Texas is also home to the world's largest honky-tonk, Billy Bob's Texas in Fort Worth. The venue covers three acres and can hold up to 6,000 people.
During the Texas Revolution in 1836, the Battle of the Alamo took place, where a small group of Texan defenders valiantly fought against Mexican forces. Although the defenders ultimately lost, their bravery and sacrifice galvanized the Texan cause. Soon after, the Republic of Texas was established, and Bexar County was officially created in 1837, named after San Antonio de Béxar.
Bexar County played a vital role in the westward expansion of the United States. It became part of the United States when Texas joined as the 28th state in 1845. The county saw significant growth with the construction of railroads, the establishment of military bases like Fort Sam Houston, and the influx of European immigrants. In 1968, HemisFair '68 brought international attention to the county, showcasing its rich cultural heritage and attracting visitors from around the world. Today, Bexar County is known for its vibrant tourism industry, robust military presence, renowned healthcare institutions, and prestigious educational establishments.
Bexar County Timeline
This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Bexar County, Texas.
Pre-19th Century: The region that would become Bexar County was inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Coahuiltecan and Lipan Apache.
1718: The Spanish established the Mission San Antonio de Valero, known today as the Alamo, in what is now downtown San Antonio. This marked the beginning of Spanish colonization in the area.
1821: Mexico gained independence from Spain, and the region came under Mexican control.
1836: The Battle of the Alamo took place during the Texas Revolution, where a small group of Texan defenders fought against Mexican forces. Though the defenders were ultimately defeated, their resistance became a symbol of Texas independence.
1837: The Republic of Texas officially established Bexar County, naming it after San Antonio de Béxar, the former Spanish name for the area.
1845: Texas joined the United States as the 28th state.
1861-1865: During the American Civil War, Bexar County remained part of the Confederacy.
Late 19th-early 20th century: The county saw growth and development with the expansion of railroads, the establishment of military bases like Fort Sam Houston, and the arrival of European immigrants.
1968: HemisFair '68, a world's fair, was held in San Antonio, bringing national and international attention to the city and the county.