SAN ANTONIO, Texas — Agriculture is dependent on a water source, so as the United States was settled, pioneers turned toward those areas with rivers and lakes. These early settlements have been the seeds of many of the most popular destinations for rural Americans to travel to and enjoy today.

The San Antonio River Walk is a lovely example. In Spanish, the river is referred to as the Paseo del Rio. Today, this main contrived stretch of the San Antonio River is one of the most popular tourist sites in the city, which has roots dating back to the 1600s.

The idea of the River Walk began as a solution to downtown flooding. The idea belonged to a young architect named Robert Hugman, who suggested a renovation theme he called “The Shops of Aragon and Romula.” The plan offered both flood prevention and commercial development, while allowing the beauty of the San Antonio River to remain. Funding efforts for the massive project were complete in 1938 and work began in 1939.

According to a biographical sketch of Hugman written by Lila Knight, “Although not as extensive as his original proposal, the WPA project resulted in the improvement of more than 21 blocks along the river, including the construction of 17,000 feet of walkways, 31 stairways leading from 21 bridges and the planting of more than 11,000 trees and shrubs.

“The construction of the Arneson River Theater, located alongside La Villita, represented the picturesque vision of what the Paseo del Rio could become.”

Today the amphitheater offers dancing and productions. Visitors also use the grass-softened steps to sit and take a break while taking in the River Walk.

The San Antonio River Walk became a focus of the city during the 1960s and since then, has thrived. In 1978 Hugman was honored with the dedication of the five bronze bells in the Arneson River Theater – across from the amphitheater he built almost 40 years before.

River taxis and tours run all day into the evening, and the River Walk is a popular daytime as well as evening venue, with a variety of restaurants and pubs. The city maintains the river walkway by draining it once during the year, usually in January, to clean and strengthen the walls where the water flows through.

Renovation continues, as the approximately two-mile walk is undergoing an extension that will expand it to 13 miles and connect it with museums, historic neighborhoods and other sites. Some of the areas surrounding the River Walk include the centuries-old Spanish buildings.

This beautiful city was settled by Spanish explorers and missionaries who first came on an American Indian settlement on June 13, which is the feast day of St. Anthony of Padua, Italy. Since they arrived on St. Anthony’s feast day, they named the area in his honor.

Eventually, in 1718, a mission was established, and that mission would later be known as the Alamo – which became a large stronghold in Spanish Texas. Some of the original settlers emigrated from the Spanish community on the Canary Islands. With the French in Louisiana and the Spanish in Texas, the rich cultural roots of America were being established.

The city of San Antonio became a frontier town, but the Spanish cultural influences remained and have culminated in a lovely city with beautiful artwork, churches and, of course, the unforgettable River Walk. For more information, log onto www.thesanantonioriver walk.com  or call 210-227-4262.