Everyone knows about the Alamo in San Antonio, but how many know
that the oldest park in Texas is in this River City?
San Pedro (Springs) Park was created in 1729 when King Philip V
of Spain declared the land surrounding San Pedro Springs to be
public. San Pedro Park is the second oldest park in the United
States following the oldest which is Boston Commons.
Antonio de San Buenaventura y Olivares, a Franciscan missionary
arrived in this area in 1709 with an expedition. He became
interested in the land and Indians here and built a mission ( which
was later moved two more times and known as San Antonio de Valero )
just west of this area. This was the first establishment of San
Antonio's permanent European settlers.
San Pedro Springs Park has a very historic and colorful past. It
was used in 1856 by the US Army as a temporary camel stable when
they were experimenting with the use of these animals in south
Texas. During the Civil War Confederate soldiers used the Park as a
POW camp.
It took more than 100 years after being declared a public land
for this area to transform into a park like atmosphere.
Once you arrive at the coordinates above you will notice an
unusual looking structure before you. This was built as a Victorian
summer home. It looks like an entrance to the underworld.
While standing at this site, look over your left shoulder (NE)
and you will notice the Block House. The construction date is not
definitely known, but close examination reveals rifle slits in the
stone walls. A look over your right shoulder (SW) reveals an
acequia (irrigation ditch) constructed in 1731-34 by missionaries
using Indian laborers. The acequias were used to carry water from
the Spring headwaters to irrigate the crops. Farther away is the
remainder of the park grounds which covers about 46 acres. There is
a nice rose garden and the Cypress lined swimming pool is just
beyond. There is a covered Pavillion which was once part of the zoo
before it was moved to Brackenridge.
There is a lot to see and explore here, so take your time to
walk around and enjoy this wonderful park.
Just so we can verify your visit, e-mail me the name of the
person the large Oak tree is dedicated to that is just to the
Southwest of the cache site. There is a marker there. PLEASE !!! DO
NOT POST THE NAME OF THIS PERSON IN THE LOG. Due to some glitches
in E-mail, occasionally your answer messages are sent to my spam
box. Please log your cache after your visit, and have fun!!!
There is plenty of shade in the park to find refuge from the hot
Sun in the summer!