In September 1921, a disastrous flood along the San Antonio River took 51 lives, with an additional 23 people reported missing. Plans were then developed for flood control of the river. Among the plans was to build an upstream dam and bypass a prominent bend of the river in the Downtown area, then to pave over the bend, and create a storm sewer.

Architect Robert Hugman submitted his plans for what would become the River Walk. He introduced the “San Antonio River Beautification Project”, which began the evolution of the site into the present 2.5-mile-long (4 km) River Walk. Hugman endorsed the bypass channel idea but, instead of paving over the bend, Hugman suggested a flood gate at the northern (upstream) end of the bend; a small dam at the southern (downstream) end of the bend; and a tainter gate in the channel to regulate the flow of water. The bend would then be surrounded by commercial development; like shops, bars, and restaurants.

This is a really beautiful place to go in Texas, especially at night. I went for my birthday one year and we stayed at a hotel on the Riverwalk and it gave off a real sense of community. Architecturally, it has classic, historical buildings combined with modern shops and resturants; the nature interceding gives it a lively feeling as well. All of the colors that the lights, umbrellas, and trees reflect off the water makes the look fantastic; it is a place people aspire to go. The riverwalk not only solved a major issue in the city’s relocation of water, but also in celebrating the city’s large Spanish heritage in Texas.