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In September 1921 the flooding of the San Antonio River reached as high as eight feet in the center of the city. Loss of lives and property damage were high, and prompted city officials to take action to prevent a recurrence. The Olmos Dam was built and a city engineering report recommended filling and paving the river bend. Protests from the city Federation of Women's Clubs and the San Antonio Conservation Society convinced municipal leaders to view the river as an asset to be preserved. San Antonio architect Robert H. H. Hugman (1902-1980) developed beautification plans for the river area including walks, foot bridges, landscaping, and retail shops. In 1929 Hugman, W. P. Drought, and city leaders helped Congressman Maury Maverick, Mayor C. K. Quin, and Jack White develop support that led to a Federal Works Progress Administration (WPA) grant to fund the project. In 1938, Hugman was hired as the project architect and Edwin P. Arneson as the project engineer. By 1941 the River Walk was completed. During the 1960s voters approved a bond for improvements including extending the walk to the convention center. A source of pride for San Antonio, the River Walk is one of its most unique attractions. (1997) Supplemental Plate: Sponsors: San Antonio Conservation Society Paseo Del Rio Association |
