Last updated: June 27, 2024
Place
Acequia del Alamo Dam
Photo/Christopher Talbot
Quick Facts
Location:
just north of the Witte Museum at 3801 Broadway Street, just south of Hildebrand, San Antonio, Texas
Significance:
Acequia technology, developed by Moorish inhabitants of Spain's driest regions, provides a concrete link between Spanish settlements in the Old and New Worlds. It allowed residents of what would become the American Southwest to farm widely and effectively.
Designation:
certified site, National Historic District (contributing property)
MANAGED BY:
A map of Passport and Places to Go locations for National Historic Trails.
In 1719, construction began on the acequia (irrigation ditch) at Mission San Antonio de Valero. The source of the acequia was the San Antonio River near the ford of the "Paso de Tejas" where water was diverted from the river by means of a diversion dam that extended into the stream from its western bank. The acequia served to raise and direct the flow of water toward the eastern bank to a canal intake. It remained in use until 1912.
Site Information
Location (just north of the Witte Museum at 3801 Broadway Street, just south of Hildebrand, San Antonio, Texas)