Remember the Alamo.

by chuckofish

Last week, I missed my blogging day because I was attending a thrilling State Treasurers conference in San Antonio, Texas. According to Wikipedia, “founded as a Spanish mission and colonial outpost in 1718, the city became the first chartered civil settlement in present-day Texas in 1731. The area was still part of the Spanish Empire, and later of the Mexican Republic. It is the state’s oldest municipality, having celebrated its 300th anniversary on May 1, 2018.”

I have to say, I was impressed. My hotel was right on the historic River Walk. Again, per Wikipedia, “the River Walk is a city park and special-case pedestrian street in San Antonio, Texas, one level down from the automobile street. The River Walk winds and loops under bridges as two parallel sidewalks lined with restaurants and shops, connecting the major tourist draws to the city’s five Spanish colonial missions.” It is very pretty and felt safe and clean.

Ever-flowing margaritas on a controlled and shady river front is a real vibe I can get behind.

I also had the opportunity to brave the 105 degree heat and walk several blocks to check out the Alamo. As I’m sure you know, and our friends at Wikipedia say, “the Battle of the Alamo (February 23 – March 6, 1836) was a pivotal event in the Texas Revolution. Following a 13-day siege, Mexican troops under President General Antonio López de Santa Anna reclaimed the Alamo Mission near San Antonio de Béxar (modern-day San Antonio, Texas, United States), killing most of the Texians and Tejanos inside, including Davy Crockett. Santa Anna’s cruelty during the battle inspired many Texians and Tejanos to join the Texian Army. Buoyed by a desire for revenge, the Texians defeated the Mexican Army at the Battle of San Jacinto, on April 21, 1836, ending the rebellion in favor of the newly formed Republic of Texas.”

Sidenote, the website for the Alamo calls itself the Shrine to Texas Liberty. Which I guess makes sense.

It is quite the place and right in the middle of town!

I also got to go to the Briscoe Western Art Museum which is housed in San Antonio’s original public library. As the name implies, the museum focuses on Western heritage and was full of artwork illustrating cowboys, Native Americans, vaqueros, and great landscapes. I enjoyed it a lot. The free-flowing margaritas only enhanced the experience.

I promise, I did work, too! Anyway, it was a good trip, but it is always nice to be back home!