JAZZ

Being raised around and listening to jazz music, to here the songs in class it all started to come back to me. I have listened to jazz since I was a small child. My mother is a very big jazz fan, I can remember spring cleaning with the windows open we would listen to jazz music all day. To this day when I am around my mother we still listen to jazz.

I was raised listening to this type of music, yet I did not understand fully what a challenge it is and the talent one must have to produce this music and sound. I also was in the dark about many of the preformances here in San Antonio that actually display this music many nights of the week. Many of the places I eat and spend some of my free time I have found offer these preformances on specific nights. Though I am not able to attend these preformances I was able to tune into a jazz station on the radio that furthered my knowledge of jazz music. I most enjoy the soothing sound and the many instuments that make up each jazz song.

All the knowledge I already had about jazz combined with what I have learned in class and on the jazz stations have made me a much more rounded jazz fan. I can honestly say I have learned a great deal and have a better understanding for this music that now enjoy. After learning about this music and listening to it on a daily basis I believe I will be listening to it more often then I imagined. I have come to really enjoy this music and I plan on listening to it more in the future.

The San Antonio Riverwalk; Tourism and Growth

San Antonio Texas is known for many things, making the tourist count unbelievable. San Antonio, being home to me, does not always seem so exciting and interesting as many people make it sound. After studying and researching tourist sites I have found that there really are many great attractions here in San Antonio and there is definitely something always going on. The Riverwalk in downtown San Antonio, I have found seems to be the biggest attraction yet. Being downtown on the river alone one can experience the true culture and feeling of this city. San Antonio is a lively community and is filled with activity. I believe walking down the river is the best way to get the real feel for this type of living. It is an upbeat, lively area and is the most happening place here in San Antonio.
The Riverwalk has been around for many years and continues to expand every year. The growth is remarkable. The river was once a way of life and it has turned into a community filled with attractions for all ages. 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.

There are many events and gathering that take place on the river. Due to its lively nature many people choose this for parties and the place to get wild and crazy. One eventful time on the river that is my personal favorite is Christmas time, I try to make it out every year to see the lighting of the Riverwalk. Being that there is much to do on the river it is hard to hit every happening place in one visit. The events held on the Riverwalk are also remarkable and bring much attention to San Antonio. The spreading river not only brings in tourists it also brings in much money to San Antonio and its natives. Many family owned businesses are located right on the river. These particular places have for the most part been around for years. Some places come and go but the majority of the family owned are going strong. The first restaurant on the river was Casa Rio which features great Mexican food and is one of the hottest spots on the river. For fine dining there is Paesanos which is Italian and features a great area to relax. Most places on the river are very true to San Antonio culture which makes the Riverwalk so special. The river as we know it today is huge and amazing, holding everything one could ever need, but as we speak the river is still growing bringing in more tourist and more business. I spoke with my father, Steve Williams on the growth of the river, due to the fact that he has been working down town right on the river for 20 years now. He was able to explain the changes and growth he has personally seen in this time frame. Steve stated, "the business on the river is not the only thing expanding the river itself has been expanded a few times as well." The most growth he has seen he says is the hotels that have gone up all around the river grounds. "Twenty years ago down town around my building, the Ran Building, was peaceful, today this area is full of people day in and day out. To park we now pay in our own building, it is some what of a privilege to find a parking spot in my area now a days" Steve mentioned. The growth really is outstanding and though it is very interesting and lively it is at times scary that something can grow so much over so little time. I from time to time wonder if there is enough room in this area of town for all of the expansion, can we really cater to all the needs of the people?
The growth of the river is what sparks attention the most. The more activity, the more people. We seem to be expanding the river more and more every day. Downtown San Antonio alone is a very active area and being that the river produces much commercial business today, many tourists make it a priority to visit the river more then once in a trip to San Antonio. After interviewing tourist Debbie Estrada I have found that the Riverwalk is the main reason she traveled here with her family to visit our city. She says, "Being from up north a river is not an enjoyable place and when I was going to plan a summer vacation I decided that San Antonio would be best to experience a warm climate and a nice flowing river. Not only does the San Antonio river just flow and make for a peaceful visit, we also have not had to leave the river yet. With all the shopping and eating located right here, I have spent the majority of our vacation money here in these shops and enjoying the true taste of Mexican food and lively music." After understanding this was the only reason the visit San Antonio I informed Debbie that the river has not always been as lively and as interesting as it is now. She was somewhat surprised to know that the river was used strictly for living and water for many years. She also stated, "I am glad to find that the river has expanded as it did because it has made our family vacation a very memorable one." The river walk is a place for family and a place to party. Debbie expressed her feelings about the Riverwalk as she talk to me about her family vacation. After being down town for Fiesta I was also able to speak to some younger San Antonio goers. Sam Martinez is a 22 year old girl I came across and spoke with while enjoying myself at one the Fiesta events. Sam is a native of San Antonio. She stated, "I spend much of my free time here, down town, I live on the north side but down town is still where my friends and I prefer to hang out." She also mentioned how she loves to shop here down town and from time to time she even rents a hotel room here for the weekend. This was the most shocking thing to me, of all the years I have lived near and in San Antonio I have never once thought to get a room here and just spend the weekend.

I studied the Riverwalk because it is what most interests me about San Antonio, this is my home town and where I plan to spend the majority of my life. After speaking with many different people and researching the Riverwalk I have learned a great deal about the place I am so fond of. I plan on continuing my research and spending more time on the river this summer. I have even decided to book a room for a weekend or two. I am very excited about the project I chose and can not wait to find out more.

Conjunto Music

The in class presentation by our very own Conjunto music director here at Palo Alto, was outstanding. He brought each instrument to life while informing us of the background of the music he played as well. He gave us a detailed description of how and when Conjunto music got started. The presentation was very up front and interesting. He was able to present a song with each instrument. The accordion was the most interesting to me, his talent was amazing. The poem that was recited in three different languages was also very interesting and breathtaking to witness first hand. Hearing the soft aound of the flutes was relaxing, then the accordion made you feel as if you must stand to dance. Besides the playing of the instruments, the class was able to get a good idea of how this music came about. The entire background was very interesting as well. To realize were it all began and how so many cultures influenced it was a big shock. Over all the presentation was a very big success, I believe I can speak for everyone when I say I learned a great deal and walked away with a much better understanding of where this music comes from and exactly how it sounds.

Art

Visiting the San Antonio Museum of Art was very interesting and informative for one who knows very little of art at this point. All the art work I viewed was amazing and could take my breath away. Though there were a selected few that really stood out to me for one reason or another. The first piece that caught my eye was Passing Storm over the Sierra Nevadas, by Albert Bierstadt which is a painting done with oil on canvas. This painting was first introduced to me in class and after being introduced I decided to study it for myself. The most amazing part of this painting to me was the light reflecting off of the water. This particular part of the painting looks extremely complicated to accomplish, yet the artist makes it look so easy. This painting catches my eye due to the fact that it is pure nature and I tend to enjoy nature and the outdoors more then any thing else. The way the artist uses line to make the water look so very real is also a very striking part I came across. The texture of this painting is smooth yet it looks real leaving one to believe it could actually be rough like rock, or smooth and flowing like water. When I look at this painting I am at complete peace, there is no other words that could better describe the way I feel. This impression to me is due to the fact that there is only nature in this painting leaving me to believe the only sounds would be the wind and water. This particular thought brings peace me weather I am there or just gazing at this very realistic painting. This painting can also be viewed online and to be truthful the painting still is very striking to me, there is nothing that can take away from it’s beauty.
There is another painting I am fond of, which I had seen a while back at the Witte Museum. This painting is named Market Plaza, by Thomas Allen it is a painting done with oil on canvas as well. This particular painting stands out to me because it reminds me of home. It looks much like the old days here in San Antonio as well as my home town Devine Texas. It is not as relaxing as the painting I choose before but it gives me a sense of peace due to the fact that it takes me home each time I look at it. The way the artist used line and color to force the people to stand out is one of the most amazing parts to me. The woman wearing pink is the first thing I see she seems to stand further out then any other piece in this painting. Aside from color and line I believe depth is a big part of this painting the animals all seem to be sitting in the background while the people stand near the front. This painting is gorgeous both on the online site and off. Once again I believe the painting I choose is unable to be anything less then amazing. I choose the pieces that stood out to me and these two just so happen to hit closest to home for me.

Losing Ground

The article Losing Ground in the San Antonio Express News is informing in many ways. Being a citizen here in San Antonio I still I miss a lot, and reading this article informed me of many problems that would have went by unnoticed tome. The particular article that I read reviewing Losing Ground and explaining exactly how every thing was done and allowed me to understand how they came about this article and what it meant exactly. They calculated how often developers file last-minute plans in an attempt to avoid looming ordinances, the Express-News turned to a city database of 8,200 plat applications filed between 1990 and April 2005, and broke down the number of plans by month to look for spikes in filings. The database also helped show how much money the city lost in fees from developers who filed plats before an Oct. 20, 1997, drainage ordinance hit the books. The drainage fees are based on land use, acreage and number of residential lots. That information is noted for each plat in the database. This article informs one on how money is being spent and allows the citizens to understand how developers go about doing their business. The Express-News also examined Texas databases that track political campaign contributions and lobbyist activity. While the real estate industry as a whole has given generously to the Texas Legislature, the newspaper considered only interests that have supported vested-rights legislation. The newspaper confirmed that support by reviewing witness lists for legislative hearings, or in some cases, learned of the support through interviews with lawmakers. Lobbyists are requited to provide only a payment range for the clients. The Express News did much to inform I have a new understanding of what all of this means. Losing Ground is a large problem and it is happening everyday.

Work Cited:
Losing Ground: How we did this report. Environment/Water. Google.com. 10/16/2005.
http://www.mysanantonio.com/environment/stories/MYSA101605.15A.vested.how.2c8e400.html
4/6/2008.

Agua

The in class presentation pretaining to the Edwards Aquifer was very informing to one who may not really understand whats good and whats bad about the aquifer we all live off of today. The presentation informed us of what our aquifer is made of and how it alows water in and out each rain. Though the limestone walls are good at times, everything that seeps off the roads seems to seep into our water as well. What i personaly most interesting and shocking was the many places that are being built right over our aquifer alowing for very little drainage, due to the cement and un-natural sources builders use when building. As the landscape of the Recharge and Contributing Zones of the aquifer change from ranchland to urban development, the number of potential contaminant sources is now increasing. These are reasons agua stresses to preserve our community's healthy environment and economy by keeping up well with land management. Some of the things we would need to manage would be to reduce deadly downstream flooding, minimize the need for costly drainage projects, and redirect economic development to other parts of our city. The State of Texas has ranked our Edwards Aquifer as the most vunerable to contamination. Water enters the aquifer on the recharge zone without filteration. Whatever goes into our aquifer is what we drink. I was informed that the aquifer in which we all obtain our water catches rainfall and channels it down streambeads into the recharge zone where it enters through caves, creek beds, faults, and fractures. There is another part of the aquifer called the transition zone which is less sensitive then the recharge area, but is also vunerable to contamiation. The fact that so many times our aquifer is put on the back burner and built over has really shocked me, after viewing the presentation by Agua I have become much more aware of the faults that lie in our contruction each day. I plan to do my part and continue to try and keep our water clean.

St. Joseph Church

The St. Joseph Catholic Church is a historic building located down town San Antonio on East Commerce St. The Chruch had begun being built in 1868 and was then completed in 1871. The church was built to serve the increasing German Catholic population in San Antonio. The services then were in German. Today the church has services in English and in Spaish. This historic building has always been very striking to me. Since i was a child i admired this beautiful church. My father works very close to the St. Joseph Church therefore I almost consider it a reminder of family. I love the tall temple that lies infront, this is the object that stands out most. The large wooden doors and arch way are also a big part of why i love this place so much. Not only is it beautiful to me I also find that it reminds me much of New York, where my family is originaly from. Being Italian this building looks much like the strucktures one will find in Italy. This church personaly relaxes me, i feel at peace just looking at it. I feel home being near it. I also feel welcome when walking through the great wooden doors. This building captures a time in history, it is an historical mark making it very interesting to just step foot in. One's breath will be taken away when standing in the chaple itself. This is by far one of the most historical buildings in down town San Antonio. I have an eye for historic buildings and they have always been my pasion in art. I tend to prefer an old home to a new. The history and story behind it means a great deal to me and has always sparked something in me keeping me look for more. I have many pictures of old churches in my bedroom at home. The church is for the most part rather large yet the small details on the building are part of what makes it so magnificant. This particular building is very important to me and I chose it strickly for its beauty and historical value. The structure itself is amazing and is made up of many different shapes, lines and textures. The way the building was constructed so long ago makes it stand out like no other in the area. These are all reasons why I find this sturcture to be most fasinating but for the most part is gives me a sense of home and relaxation. This is what makes it important and stand out to me. It holds a stronger meaning every time I see it.

World of Water

The Edwards Aquifer is a very unique way in which the people of San Antonio and surrounding areas get their drinking water. The most interesting feature I notice about the aquifer as a whole are the areas in which the water actually enters the aquifer itself. Near Canyon Lake lies an amazing gorge, where a large sink hole lies as well. The water in this sink hole looks so pure that one can see straight through the water to all the rocks lining the sides of the hole. This particular place remains the most amazing part of the Edwards Aquifer, to me. Though this is not the only interesting part of the aquifer. There are many small openings in the rock that were presented very clearly in the Water Works exhibit that were very interesting and very hands on. These openings vary in size some being larger then others, yet each has fresh water running in most of the time. These openings play a huge roll in how the water is transported into the aquifer each day. The walls of the aquifer are also very amazing. The walls are made of limestone making it a very unique aquifer compared to all. Yet is may be a bad thing at times, it is also very useful being that the limestone makes it very easy for water to come and go with ease.





There are many unusual creatures that acutally live in the aquifer itself some being the Blind Cave Fish, and the Blind Salamander these creatures are presented in the exhibit and are very interesting to see, being that they are not animals one comes across everyday. The exhibit presents the water flow and the way it runs just as the article "Running Dry" by Chad Miller, the way the water runs and always will is down therefore causing flooding and alowing many unwanted trash into the aquifer. This run off is helpful at times keeping out aquifer full but at the same time much waste is brought into our drinking water as well. The way this is presented gives one a very well view at how the water transportation works, it also is presented very well for childern to understand without any questions. The most important things I noticed that were very specificly dissused was the way the water is transported and the different ways it ends up in the aquifer. This exhibit over all was very informing and was an interesting way for all ages to explore the Edwards Aquifer in which we all rely.

More Then Just a Home

Home is where the heart is, my home and heart is located on Kiltey road off Blanco between 1604 and 410. This is the place I call home, being on the North side of San Antonio there is much construction and infrastructure going on here. My house is located at 13310 Kiltey in Church Hill Forest, part of Castle Hills, right off Longfield and Blanco road. My home is slightly closer to 1604, yet I tend to use 410 much more often than I do 1604. The neighborhood is rather small and usually very quiet. The majority of the homes are two story, with a lush green yard and a nicely paved driveway. Most homes have underground pools and a fence distinguishing each persons property from the next.
For the most part my neighbors are all of upper- middle class and there are very few young adults that live here. This neighborhood holds more families of business and upper class status it seems. The neighborhood itself is very well maintained, there is a pool and tennis court/ basket ball court open to neighborhood members that are year around and are kept looking very clean. When walking through my neighborhood you will see many couples walking and just enjoying the relaxing comfort of the place we all call home. My neighborhood is very safe, the crime is very low to none, there has never been any crime that I know of.
I have only lived in my home for 3 years, I am originally from Devine TX., where I was raised and graduated high school. Comparing my neighborhood in Devine to my new neighborhood I would have to say they are very similar therefore this is defenitely a place I see myself still living in the future. Though I have noticed that in Devine I knew each and every neighbor and every person in the town, unlike Devine I do not even know my next door neighbors name here in San Antonio. This is a very big change but being that everyone is welcoming made my move years ago a very smooth one.
As far as racial status goes, my neighbors are mostly white and some are of Mexican decent. Everyone in my Neighborhood is friendly and very up beat making it very comfortable to live. The biggest attraction in my neighborhood is our pool and courts, though at the entrance of my neighborhood was a restaurant that was a big attraction until it closed down a year ago. Though Blanco is a very busy road as soon as one turns off onto Longfield you can feel the calmness of the peaceful neighborhood. As far as construction goes there is not much on Blanco itself and absolutely none in Church Hill Forest.
The things I love most about the place I call home is the calmness and how very safe and peaceful it is. The pool and tennis courts are one of the most attractive things about this place. Being that tennis was my main sport in high school I got very lucky to end up in a place that provided such close playing courts. There is really nothing in my neighborhood that I do not like I love the place I call home and everything about.
The place where I study is Palo Alto college which is rather far from where I reside though the drive is long it is well worth it to live in such a safe area and not have to worry about walking out my door. It takes me about 35 to 40 minutes to get to school each day. I do not currently work being that my place of employment was the restaurant that closed down at the entrance of my neighborhood.
Being located near two major high ways is very convenient and makes for very easy access to places for fun. I love to shop and that is the first place I would consider a place of play located near me, North Star Mall. I spend much time here, at least one day of each week I walk the halls of this mall located just at the end of Blanco on San Pedro. It takes me only 5 minutes to reach the mall which leaves much time for shopping!!!!
Along with the mall I love to be outside, I take my dog to a very close park located on West Ave. which is only 3 minutes from my home. I also love the pool and the tennis courts that are within walking distance of my front porch. These two places are very convenient and have much to offer someone who loves to be active and spend much of her time in the sun.
I also enjoy movies, Regal Cinema located right across from Ingram mall off 410 is where I spend some nights. From home it will take me maybe 15 to 20 minutes to reach the theater in time to watch the desired flick. These are the major interests of mine. Due to the fact that my neighborhood is so central to much of San Antonio’s action I do not waste much time or gas to get to where I want to go.
Over all after taking a long hard look at my neighborhood, I realize there is no where on earth I would rather be. This is definitely not just my transition place this is my home this is where my heart is. I spend most time here and that is the way it will remain, as long as this place stays as well kept and peaceful as it is today. This is the most central place I have lived and it is a very convenient location therefore I do not plan on changing my location anytime soon, maybe even never. Home is where the heart is and this is where my heart is and will remain.

The Modern Alamo

After viewing the modern film “The Alamo” directed by John Lee Hancock, one will receive an even broader view of the history that lies behind the historical structure known as the Alamo. This film has been said to be randomly thrown together in some ways due to the fact that the historians spent so much of their efforts getting the history accurate for the film. As an educational film I believe the 2004 version of the Alamo is a must see in order to get the facts straight in one’s own mind. After viewing this film, for the first time, it is much easier to give credit where credit is due. The film is one of a small few things we have studied in class that do contribute more time and effort representing the Tejanos and some of the others that are usually left out. As of right now this film has helped me out most in understanding the truth to our states history.
Designating an entire segment of class to study the Alamo allowed most to hear for the first time the truth behind this well known battle. Though in most cases the Tejanos seem to get pushed under the rug, when we remember the heroes who fought, this film does a great job at giving the viewer the chance to see the battle from all perspectives and not just from the Anglo point of view.
When reading “Under The Mexican Flag” by Andres Tijerina one can also get a look at this battle and this period of time from the Tejanos point of view. Which leaves one with a much better understanding of the heroes who really brought our state to it’s independence. I noticed when viewing the film “The Alamo” much of the article “Under The Mexican Flag” reflected in the movie.
This film gives a good view of all aspects of the battle at the Alamo. I recently found that Davy Crocket did not just die in the battle he played much more of a dominant role during this time then I was aware of. After studying the Alamo and watching this film I have not only learned much more of the Tejanos but also of some of the Anglos who may not be receiving as much credit as they deserve.

The Alamo

Remeber the Alamo! The unforgetable statement that has a much deeper meaning than one may assume. Remember the Alamo was actually the Texas battle cry per say, and to the soldiers this ment to get revenge and always keep in mind the ones who had died before them. Though today, we remember the Alamo because the story is a tale of heroism. Sometimes we, as Texans are not as informed and forget that heroes fought on both sides. Heroism is a courageous response to the attack faced by the people of the Alamo. That morning in March was a disaster for both sides, and heroes on both sides responded with grace and courage. One may never know about the heros and where they are from if you do not choose to visit the Alamo this present time. Revisiting the Alamo is amazing and I would recommend the vist to anyone, of any age. The wall of history is breathtaking and holds so much information one may need to take at least two days to take it all in. One will learn much of the Spanish people who contributed, more than we once knew, to this battle. At one point in time the Spanish may not have been recognized as clearly as they deserved, but today I believe one can visit the Alamo and get a very good sense of all the heroes who served in this battle. This is not all one can gather from a visit. Along with the people who fought for the Alamo, the structure itself holds a lot of history that one will uncover while walking through the remaining buildings. Not only was the Alamo an unforgetable battlefield, it was also a community to the ones who then fought for it. Originally named Mission San Antonio de Valero, the Alamo served as home to many missionaries and their Indian converts for nearly seventy years. It's mission role completed, the old buildings were abandoned by 1836 when the site became known as the "cradle of Texas Liberty." Rebelling against repressions of Mexico's self-proclaimed dictator, Santa Anna, a band of 189 Texas volunters defied a Mexican army of thousands for 13 days of siege. The Alamo defenders died to the last man, among them such men as William Travis, Davy Crockett, and Jim Bowie. Cost to Mexican forces was dreadful. While Santa Anna dictated an announcement of glorious victory, "One more such glorious victory and we are finished". The finish came April 21 when Sam Houston's Texans routed the Mexican army at the Battle of San Jacinto near Houston, and captured "the Napoleon of the West," as Santa Anna billed himself. After all was said and done the war was won! These are only some facts that one will discover when visiting the Alamo; therefore it is a trip one must experience for themselves. Today I am thankful I was able to revisit the "new and more informative" Alamo and get a much broader picture of the real story behind this magnificant historical structure.

The Yanaguana Trail at Mission San Juan Capistrano

The Yanaguana trail located at Mission San Juan Capistrano gives one the opportunity to experience more than just a walk around the path, one is able to experience the very land that the early Indians and Mexicans once used years ago. This trail is 1/3 of a mile long and runs along the San Antonio river, there are plants along the path that are still used by the mission to this day. The land is much more dry and full of dead trees unlike the other missions whos land seems much more farm like, even to this day.
When pulling up to the mission, the trail is located on the right. The trail branches off into three small trails that all eventually meet up forming a large circle, allowing one to get a large view of the land. This particular mission stood out because there is a designated trail that one can walk and experience the same walk the Indians and the Mexicans once made before us. The trail leads to the water leaving one to assume that it was very easy to attain water at this mission inparticular. Though the land seems to be dying, it is clear that this same dead land was once very much alive and is what fed many people back in their day.
After visiting, and walking, the Yanaguana trail, I took some time to study Mission San Juan Capistrano as well. In order to understand the trail one must realize its significance to the mission itself. Mission San Juan Capistrano was founded in 1713 by Spanish Catholics of Franciscan Order. The mission was first made of only brush and mud. In 1760 construction of a larger church building was begun on the east side of the Mission compound, but was never completed due to lack of sufficient labor. This mission unfortunately did not prosper to the same extent as the other San Antonio missions. The land near the mission was not sufficient to plant vast qualities of crops or raise large amounts of livestock. Though this particular mission may have not been as successful, I do believe things could have been much worse if not for the fact that it was located right on the bank of the river. Though this paved trail was not constructed until much later in time, one can still get a sense exactly how the Indians and Mexicans once lived. There are still small aqueducts coming off the river running to other areas around the mission. This trail gives one a great view of the land the Indians and Mexicans were working with in the past. As of today the land around this trail is very dry and looks as if it has been underwater more times than others. Walking the trail I was able to see that this mission seemed to be the closest mission to the river, yet this was the same mission in which did not prosper as the others did. After having visiting two of the four missions here in south Texas, I would definitely consider Mission San Juan Capistrano my favorite. It was a very educational visit yet at the same time it was calming and relaxing. This particular mission is one can plan to attend more then once being that it has so very much to offer. Not only is the mission itself beautiful and historical, the land and the wildlife is breathtaking as well, which is why I would consider this to have been my favorite visit to a mission thus far.

Mission Espada

After having visited Mission Espada one can conclude that much of our back round and our culture here in San Antonio is based on these missions created centuries ago. The visit to the mission was more then educational, it was an experience that one can take to heart and really begin to understand the San Antonio culture. Today these missions represent an almost unbroken connection with the past.

Mission Espada was founded as San Francisco de los Tejas in 1690, and was then moved to the San Antonio river and renamed San Francisco de la Espada in 1731. The mission itself is still in contact and remains in good condition to this day. Mission Espada is the only mission which is made of brick, this is still visible today. The church built at Mission Espada is still intact and still holds service today. The small room with rock walls almost appears as remote today as it did in the mid-1700s. The missions established along the San Antonio River in the 18th century is a reminder of one of the Spanish's most successful attempts to extend their domain northward from New Spain. These missions are the largest concentration of Catholic missions in North America. The missions serve very different purposes today, in the mid-1700's they where home and even safety at times for the Indians and the Spanish. The Spanish took the Indians in and trained them to defend their communities they were also taught to make pottery, and clothing for themselves. Men were taught to farm and taught how to grow many different crops. The Indians were taught religion and moral, though some fled the missions to return to old life, most accepted Catholicism and became active participants in Spanish society.

Also a very important part of the missions was the acequia systems, Mission Espada has the best -preserved acequia system. Sparse rain fall and the need for irrigation made the construction of the seven gravity flow ditches a priority for the missionaries and Indians. The five dams and several aqueducts along the San Antonio River ensured a continual flow of river water into the system. The 15 mile network irrigated about 3,500 acres of land. Espada Aqueduct is the oldest Spanish aqueduct in the United States, and is still able to be observed today. The two-century old floodgates controlled water sent to fields for irrigation and for uses such as bathing, washing and power for mill wheels. Though these systems may be very old they are far from being out dated, some farms today still rely on this system of irrigation.

The entire mission system is centuries old but when visiting the missions today one can see much of our culture in these old walls. The traditions and ways of living still live on today, though we have come far since the 1700's, the way we got where we are today is partly based on these missions and there growth. After visiting Mission Espada one can get a good sense of their culture and an even better understanding of how our community came originally together and really got started.