Welcome to The San Antonio Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• Schlitterbahn in San Antonio hires 2,000 for new season

• Upcoming San Antonio Spurs game

• A deep-dive into the life of Samuel Maverick

• And more…

Quote of the Week

“If you can’t yet do great things, do small things in a great way.”

―Napoleon Hill

Trivia

Here is your trivia question of the week. The answer will be shown in next week’s newsletter. Which do you think it is? No cheating!

Which San Antonio museum is renowned for its extensive collection of Latin American, Asian, and Ancient Mediterranean Art?

A) The McNay Art Museum

B) The Witte Museum

C) The San Antonio Museum of Art

D) The Briscoe Western Art Museum

Answer to Last Week's Trivia:

The annual festival held in April that celebrates San Antonio's diverse culture and heritage is B) Fiesta San Antonio.

News

💼 Business

Schlitterbahn in San Antonio hires 2,000 for new season with roles up to $17/hr, boosting local employment. (Link)

Amazon halts San Antonio air cargo, laying off 65, adjusting its logistical operations. (Link)

🏒 Sports

The San Antonio Spurs competed against the Oklahoma City Thunder, aiming to bolster their season standings. (Link)

Wembanyama's unsanctioned play and dunk on Jaren Jackson Jr. didn't clinch a Spurs' win. (Link)

Popovich monitors Wembanyama's playtime for ankle recovery, setting strict minute limits. (Link)

🏦 Finance

San Antonio-based Cruising Kitchens partners with an Austin bank to offer $100 million in financing for mobile and ghost kitchens​​. (Link)

San Antonio maintains a Taxpayer Surplus of $900, earning a "B" grade for financial health in fiscal year 2022​​. (Link)

Investments in infrastructure aim to bolster San Antonio's economic base and improve residents' quality of life. (Link)

Upcoming Events

Here are some events that are happening in our city this week. There is a good mix between sports, entertainment, conferences, concerts, and more.

Sports

🏈 San Antonio Spurs vs. Indiana Pacers 
Frost Bank Center, 1 AT&T Center Parkway, San Antonio, TX
Sunday, Mar 3rd | (More info)

🏀 UIL Girls Basketball State Championship Tournaments 
Alamodome, San Antonio, TX
Thursday, Feb 29th | (More info)

🏀 San Antonio Spurs vs. Indiana Pacers 
Frost Bank Center, 1 AT&T Center Parkway, San Antonio, TX
Sunday, Mar 3rd | (More info)

Music & Concerts

🎵 Igor
Sam's Burger Joint, San Antonio, TX, US
Wednesday, Feb 28th | (More info)

🎤 Ariel Pink
The Rock Box, San Antonio, TX, US
Thursday, Feb 29th | (More info)

🎶 Voxtrot
Paper Tiger, San Antonio, TX, US
Friday, Mar 1st | (More info)

🎵 Marc Anthony
Frost Bank Center, San Antonio, TX, US
Saturday, Mar 2nd | (More info)

🎸 The McCharmlys and Veeze
Paper Tiger, San Antonio, TX, US
Sunday, Mar 3rd | (More info)

Family

🔭 Saturday with a Scientist: Small & Icy Objects in Space 
The Witte Museum, San Antonio, TX
March 2, 2024 | (More info)

📚 School Discovery Day at Hemisfair 
Hemisfair, San Antonio, TX
March 2, 2024 | (More info)

🏃 ¡VIVA! SA Race 
VFW Blvd., San Antonio, TX
March 2, 2024 | (More info)

Image of the Week

Every week, I have a habit of making some AI art about our city.

This week, I typed in “Retro-futuristic 1950s style San Antonio with modern technology” and this is what I got.

Let me know what ideas you have for this. I really enjoy making these types of photos.

San Antonio Historical Events

San Antonio Became the Capital of Spanish Texas (1773)

In 1773, a significant shift occurred in the governance of Spanish Texas when San Antonio was officially designated the capital. This momentous decision underscored the burgeoning importance of San Antonio not just as a local mission community or a military stronghold, but as a central hub of political and administrative power. The city's strategic location, growing population, and increasing economic significance made it the natural choice for the capital, marking a new chapter in its history and in the broader narrative of the region.

As the capital of Spanish Texas, San Antonio became the focal point for the region's political activities. It was here that decisions impacting the vast expanse of Spanish Texas were deliberated and decreed. The city also became a cultural and economic center, attracting traders, settlers, and adventurers alike. The streets of San Antonio buzzed with the energy of a frontier city that was at the forefront of shaping the destiny of Texas. The city's role as the capital during this period laid the foundations for its future growth and its pivotal role in the events that would eventually lead to Texas' struggle for independence.

The designation of San Antonio as the capital of Spanish Texas in 1773 is more than a historical footnote; it represents the city's ascendancy as a beacon of power, culture, and commerce. It set the stage for San Antonio's evolution into a city of historical significance, with a rich tapestry of stories and landmarks that continue to draw visitors and scholars interested in the intricate history of Texas and the Southwest. This period in history reflects the city's enduring legacy and its central role in the tapestry of American and Texan identity.

Famous People From San Antonio

Samuel Maverick (1803-1870)

Early Life and Education (1803–1825)

Samuel Augustus Maverick was born on July 23, 1803, in Pendleton District, South Carolina, into a family of prominent politicians and landowners. His father, Samuel Maverick, was a well-respected businessman, and his mother, Elizabeth Anderson, hailed from a distinguished local family. From an early age, Samuel was exposed to the values of leadership, independence, and the importance of land ownership, which would shape his future endeavors.

He pursued his education at Yale College, where he graduated in 1825. His time at Yale was marked by a broadening of his intellectual horizons and the deepening of his interest in law and politics. Maverick's education laid the groundwork for his diverse career as a land baron, politician, and later, a leading figure in the Texas Revolution.

Move to Texas and Early Ventures (1826–1835)

After completing his education, Maverick initially ventured into the business world in Virginia and Alabama but found limited success. Seeking greater opportunities, he moved to Texas in 1835, a time when the region was characterized by political unrest and the stirrings of revolution against Mexican rule. Maverick's arrival in Texas marked the beginning of his long and significant association with the state.

He quickly involved himself in the local community and the burgeoning movement for Texas independence. His business acumen and legal background enabled him to acquire land and establish himself as a prominent figure in the San Antonio area. This period was crucial in laying the foundations for Maverick's wealth and influence in Texas.

Role in the Texas Revolution (1835–1836)

Maverick's commitment to the cause of Texas independence became evident with his active participation in the Texas Revolution. He was present at the Siege of Bexar in 1835 and was among the signatories of the Texas Declaration of Independence on March 2, 1836. Maverick's involvement in these pivotal events demonstrated his leadership and dedication to the Texan cause.

Despite not being a military man by training, Maverick's contributions to the revolution were significant. His skills in negotiation and logistics were invaluable to the Texan forces. Following the revolution, Maverick's stature in the new Republic of Texas grew, cementing his place as a key figure in its founding.

Samuel Maverick's Connection to San Antonio (1836–1845)

San Antonio played a central role in Maverick's life and career. After the Texas Revolution, he made the city his home and became one of its leading citizens. Maverick invested heavily in land around San Antonio, amassing a vast estate that would become the basis for his wealth and influence. His contributions to the city's development were profound, involving not only economic investments but also civic engagement and leadership.

Maverick's presence in San Antonio during this time was marked by his efforts to promote the city's growth and prosperity. He was involved in various civic projects, including infrastructure development and the establishment of educational institutions. His commitment to the community left a lasting legacy in San Antonio, reflecting his vision for the city's future.

Political Career in the Republic of Texas (1836–1845)

In the newly formed Republic of Texas, Maverick's leadership skills and dedication to the Texan cause saw him elected to the Texas Congress. Serving multiple terms, he was instrumental in shaping the young republic's policies, particularly those related to land and property rights. Maverick's legislative work was characterized by his advocacy for settlers' rights and his efforts to stabilize the republic's land policy.

His tenure in the Texas Congress was marked by significant contributions to the legal and institutional framework of Texas. Maverick's work helped lay the foundations for the state's future, emphasizing the importance of a stable and fair legal system for land management and ownership.

The Maverick Legacy and the Term Maverick (1845–1859)

Samuel Maverick's refusal to brand his cattle led to the term maverick being coined, originally referring to unbranded cattle but eventually coming to mean an independent-minded person. This aspect of his life illustrates Maverick's individualism and nonconformity, traits that were evident in his political, business, and personal endeavors.

The legacy of the term maverick is perhaps one of the most enduring aspects of Samuel Maverick's impact, symbolizing the spirit of independence and defiance of conventional norms. This legacy extends beyond the man himself, encapsulating the essence of the Texas spirit and the broader American ideal of rugged individualism.

Later Life and Death (1859–1870)

In his later years, Maverick continued to be active in business and politics, though his health began to decline. He remained a respected figure in San Antonio and the wider Texas community, known for his contributions to the state's development and its fight for independence. Samuel Maverick passed away on September 2, 1870, in San Antonio, leaving behind a legacy that would endure far beyond his lifetime.

His death marked the end of an era, but his contributions to Texas and the unique legacy of the term maverick continued to inspire generations. Maverick was buried in San Antonio, the city that had been central to his life and career, symbolizing his lasting connection to the community he had helped shape.

Key Achievements:

• Played a pivotal role in the Texas Revolution, including participation in the Siege of Bexar and signing the Texas Declaration of Independence.

• Served in the Texas Congress, influencing land and property rights legislation.

• His refusal to brand his cattle led to the term "maverick" being coined, symbolizing independence and nonconformity.

• Made significant contributions to the development of San Antonio through investments and civic engagement.

• Amassed a vast estate in Texas, becoming one of the largest landowners in the state.

Samuel Maverick was a key figure in Texas history, known for his roles in the Texas Revolution, his political career, and his contributions to the development of San Antonio. His legacy is immortalized in the term "maverick," reflecting his spirit of independence and individualism. Maverick's life and achievements left a lasting impact on Texas, embodying the ideals of bravery, entrepreneurship, and commitment to community that are central to the state's identity.

Connect With Me

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I would love to hear from you. Don’t be shy.

-Matthew Larsen

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