San Antonio Springs

The San Antonio and San Pedro Springs are two of the loveliest and fantastical natural water flows in Texas. Together they provide the famous San Antonio River with its main source of water. The first establishments on these grounds happened during the Spanish exploration period. Many adventurers documented the San Antonio Springs as beautiful and overflowing with water and life. The most recent background of these springs was with a man named George W. Brackenridge.

George W. Brackenridge was very generous and kind and donated much of his wealth to education. His main role with the San Antonio River is his ownership in the majority of the lands of the San Antonio Springs. During his time he fancied the springs because of their magnificent beauty. He thought so highly of these waters he even created a business called San Antonio Water Works where he would showcase the marvelous springs. It proved to be a successful business that tourists and town folk enjoyed. Unfortunately, during his later years drought struck causing the springs to cease their functions. A sad Brackenridge disbanded the San Antonio Water Works and decided to sell the lands to the University of Incarnate Word.

Random and extreme rains during the 1970s restored the life of the springs. This wonderful event gave hope that the old springs were back. Sadly the water became dormant again after the rains had stopped. Two more similar accounts occurred in 1992 and 2003.

Because the waters can be inactive for such extended periods of time many now call it Rip Van River. This tragedy has lead to the increased protection of the springs. The University has discovered relics and bones while researching the grounds of the springs. Due to the historical value of the artifacts unearthed the springs have been added to the Nation Register of Historic Sites. For now the idea of the springs suddenly awakening is history, however, history is said to repeat itself.