The Alamo and San Antonio Texas

My first impressions of San Antonio was just how small the town seemed when compared to the other cities recently visited. I was further amazed at just how small the Alamo is.  Located in the middle of San Antonio the Alamo is only a one city blocks with the tallest building the chapel and it only about 20 feet tall at the peak.  The city is a contrast of styles with tall modern concrete and glass buildings abutting older stylized structures celebrating another time in history.

The entrance to the chapel building at the Alamo.

The interior courtyard facing what was the barracks building, now a museum and diorama outlining the events surrounding the battle with the Mexican forces.

there has been some effort to maintain the southwestern style in buildings as shown here in the office building adjacent to the Alamo.

this plaque commemorates the contribution of the Gonzales volunteers who came to defend the Alamo.

The various flags which have flown over Texas are displayed in an alcove of the courtyard.

A metropolitan street in downtown area.

An example of the variety of building styles in San Antonio.

A key element of the San Antonio downtown is the Riverwalk area. this development was initiated  in 1950 following major flooding by the Rio Grande.  Current development and constructin were completed in 2011.  This river walk area is an outstanding example of what can be done when federal, civic and business leaders work together to improve the city.

River boats provide transport and tours over the entire length of the Riverwalk.

Patron saint of San Antonio, Saint Antonio.

Restaurants line the Rio Grande.

This is TEXAS and boots are not just utilitarian.

Quotes describing the river and its soul are spaced along the pedestrian walkway.

Mother Nature has a way of getting her way.

just one of the many waterfall effects along the walkway.