*SAN ANTONIO. One of the most colorful and interesting cities in America. Settled in 1718 by the Spanish (same year as New Orleans by the French) San Antonio became a Spanish capital and a mission center. Five missions were located along the San Antonio river in 171S. 1720 and 1731, later to develop into extensive properties with fine church and other structures. Buildings and ruins remain as relics of an heroic and romantic past.
Five mission establishments were built at San Antonio, and reports made in 1715 and in 1702 give data respecting them.
Mission San Antonio do Valero. (The Alamo). Seo page 23.
Mission San .Jose y dc San Miguel Aguayo. See page 23.
Mission Nueslra Seuora de la PurTsima Conception do Acuna. In 1715 the churrh was half completed; In 17C2, completed. A record says the corner stone was laid May 5, 1731.
Mission San Juan de Capistrano. In 1715 tho buildings were of thatch; in 17G2 a temporary apartment 25 vnras (C9.-1 ft.) long was used.
Mission Snn Francisco de la Espada. In 1715 the stono church was in progress; In 1702 the church was still in progress.
The missions were officially abandoned in 1791. The irrigating aqueducts of Son .Juan and of Espada still irrigate tho old mission lands. The other mission aqueducts have given way to the growing city. By 1730-1710 these aqueducts and canals were extensively developed. The engineering shill carrying the waters nrouml the hills and over valleys testifies again to the intcl-itgence that guided all those works; this may lie observed today at tlio Sun Jnan and tho Espada aqueducts.
. San Antonio i.s among the hills, scenic drives are in all directions: its river starts from springs within the city; the climate is dry. the sunshine constant, it is an all-year outdoor country with all outdoor sports pleasantly provided for in tho parks, public places and reservations. Snn Antonio became the crossroads and market place of the Southwest during the turbulent Spnnisli, Mexican and later pioneer period of Texas. Mexico and California: it wns the capital of the cattle kings of Texas and here too the United States has its greatest military reservations with all arms of the service maintaining big properties—the stable climate and the varied types of country permit all kinds of training and maneuvers all the year round. Southward are farming and citrus fruit areas; northward and westward big cattle and goat ranches and rugged hills. Good drinking water in this countrv.
Hotels -BLUE ESONNET, 220 rms. all with bath, new. iSfiy eruupped, well located, unchanging rates $2.50 and Smgloton hotel system—CROCKETT, 150 rms., near Alamo, moderate, large sun parlor lounge, AAA licadq.. ice parking—GUNTER, 550 rms. all with hath, enlarged ami completely modernized, renter of activities. OST lieadfl.
Baker hotel system—HAMILTON, 05 rms., moderate priced, quiet street, nice hotel—JEFFERSON, 70 rms., moderate priced commercial in business center—MENGER, 300 rms„ 200 with hath, a noted tourist hotel many years, spacious lobbies, patio, old southern dinners. Baker hotel system— PLAZA, 500 rms. all with bath, new, splendidly equipped modern hotel home—ROBERT E. LEE, 200 rms. all with hath, new, well liked, well equipped, $2.50 down. Percy Tyrrell hotel system—ST. ANTHONY, 150 rms., fine hotel, spacious lobbies, large veranda facing park—TRAVELERS, 150 rms., comfortable, popular commercial hotel centrally located. All well regulated, well located hotels.
Camps—Nice free municipal camp in riverside grove at Josephine St. Four private cabin camps, nearly 300 cabins and a pints. The best, Grande Court near Brackcnridgc Park, with every convenience; one of the best auto camps in the U. S., well-equipped, home-like apmts. and cabins.
For pleasant auto service—Jamison’s^ at 3rd and^ Broadway and Lowry’s at 1227 Navarro. Jamison has filling sta., washes, greases, carries accessories and Hood tires. Lowry has filling sta., quick tire service, accessories and Kelly tires. The men are efficient and attentive.
Inf.—old Spanish Trail headquarters at Gunter Hotel. S. A. Automobile League. (AAA) Crockett and St. Anthony hotels; Chamber of Commerce, Aztec Bldg.
THRU THE LAMD5 OF
-AMERICA’S ANCIENTHISTORY
CONNECTING
1 FLORIDA - MEXICO • CALIFORNIA*
^ NATIONAL HEADQUARTERS
OLD SPANISH TRAIL
SOUTHFRN RflRflFDI ANn TDI IMKI IMF
THRU THE HILLS
Sun Antonio to El Taso—583 nillos
Road Conditions
This section Is usually driven without hardship In two and three dnvs. Well eroded, well maintained gravel prevails: 80 ml. are paved, out from San Antonio nnd out front El Paso. The roadbed Is brand, erodes nnd curves are cotnfortahe At Roosevelt for 10 ml. the Llano River Is forded a dozen times on under-tvater eonerete bridgesi between the fords the old trail Is maintained. A new road Is to ho built. This rlter trail with Its spring water and shady groves Is enjoyed by most People. Pry weather prevails In West Texas.
Description of Country
The Old Spanish Trail westward from San Antonio eats dlrectlv thru the Texas lllll Country to El l'aso. The mileage Is shortened nnd the traveler enjoys the rugged lulls and sparkling waters that have made the Hill Country noted for Its cattle nnd goat ranches and popular for recreation. The elevation and the drv sunshine make the climate enjoyable nnd allow all-year outdoor sports nnd pleasures Fourteen elear-water rivers nr© in West Texas. Bexar, Kendall, Kerr nnd Klmblo