San Antonio is named for the Catholic saint, Anthony (San Antonio) of Padua. Born in Portugal in 1195, he joined the Franciscan order and became a celebrated teacher of scripture. Anthony was declared a saint in 1232, less than a year after his death in Padua, Italy. When the first European explorers arrived here on St. Anthony's feast day, June 13, 1691, they renamed the existing Indian village of Yanaguana in his honor. His name was given to the area's largest river in 1709 and to the first of five Spanish missions in the area, San Antonio de Valero (known today as the Alamo). It was founded in 1718. By the 1800s the missionary-led communities along the river and nearby military and civilian settlements had merged into one town known simply as San Antonio. Today various local institutions bear St. Anthony's name, and his likeness is depicted in statuary throughout the community.
Comments 0 comments