Welcome to The San Antonio Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• PNC Bank talks new SA locations, funding for future apartments.

• Upcoming Corpse dust concert

• A deep-dive into the life of Walter Prescott Webb

• And more…

Quote of the Week

Setting goals is the first step in turning the invisible into the visible

– Tony Robbins

Trivia

What is the name of the longest continuous sidewalk in the world, located in San Antonio and offering a scenic view along the city's waterfront?

A) River Walk

B) Museum Reach

C) Mission Reach

D) The Paseo del Rio

Answer to Last Week's Trivia:

The San Antonio mission known for its beautiful stone arches and part of the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park is A) Mission San José.

News

💼 Business

PNC Bank talks new SA locations, funding for future apartments. (Link)

Announcing the 2024 Best Places to Work winners: Extra small category. (Link)

After the crash: Texas restaurants face new uncertainty. (Link)

🏒 Sports

Boerne Champion runner Leachman crushes state meet record in 3,200 en route to gold. (Link)

Athletes from San Antonio area shine at UIL Track & Field State Meet. (Link)

LEE Academy boys’ basketball duo excited to bring on-court chemistry to college. (Link)

🏦 Finance

NuStar acquired by Sunoco for $7.3B, fate of SA-based company's employees unclear. (Link)

Gas prices spike 15 cents a gallon overnight in San Antonio. (Link)

San Antonio Realtor Meghan Pelley sees ‘really good’ year ahead for local housing market. (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

⚾ Corpus Christi Hooks at San Antonio Missions
Nelson W. Wolff Municipal Stadium, San Antonio
From May 14th to May 19th | (More info)

🏈 Arlington Renegades at San Antonio Brahmas
Alamodome, San Antonio
Sunday, May 19th | (More info)

🏈 Birmingham Stallions at San Antonio Brahmas
Alamodome, San Antonio
Saturday, May 25th | (More info)

Music & Concerts

 🎤 Shordie Shordie
Paper Tiger, San Antonio
Tuesday, May 14th | (More info)

🎵 Corpse dust 
The Mix, San Antonio
Saturday, May 18th | (More info)

🎤 Troubadour Festival 2024
Aggie Park, San Antonio
Saturday, May 18th | (More info)

Family

🌸 Flutter & Flourish: Women’s Networking Event
14353 Blanco Road, San Antonio
Wednesday, May 15 | (More info)

🐠 Free Kids Event: Lakeshore's Undersea Discovery
327 N.W. Loop 410, San Antonio
Saturday, May 18 | (More info)

🎤 May Y'all Sing, I've Been Dazed by Michael Kiwanuka
538 Roosevelt Avenue, San Antonio
Friday, May 17 | (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 “Post-apocalyptic San Antonio reclaimed by nature” 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

Construction of the Bexar County Courthouse (1892): An architectural landmark.

The Bexar County Courthouse, completed in 1897, stands as a magnificent architectural landmark in San Antonio, Texas. Designed in the distinctive Romanesque Revival style by renowned architect James Riely Gordon, the courthouse is a masterpiece of native Texan granite and red sandstone. Its construction began in 1892, and the grand courthouse was completed in 1897, making it the largest and oldest continuously operated historic courthouse in Texas. The building's unique design, with its distinctive green and red tiles, reflects the rich history and cultural heritage of the region, making it a significant symbol of the city's past and present.

The Bexar County Courthouse has been the center of local and regional judicial activity since its completion, serving as the county seat of Bexar County. Architect James Riely Gordon's vision for the courthouse was to create a four-story and basement structure that would stand as a testament to the region's history and architectural prowess. Today, the courthouse continues to be a prominent fixture in downtown San Antonio, bordering Main Plaza and standing alongside other architectural landmarks such as the Cathedral of San Fernando. Its enduring presence and historical significance make it a must-see destination for visitors and a point of pride for the local community.

With its rich history, distinctive architectural style, and status as a historic building, the Bexar County Courthouse is a cherished symbol of San Antonio's heritage. The courthouse's enduring legacy and its role as a hub of legal activity have solidified its place as an architectural gem and a testament to the city's past and present. Whether admired for its stunning design, historical significance, or cultural impact, the Bexar County Courthouse remains an iconic landmark that continues to captivate and inspire all who encounter it.

Famous People From San Antonio

Walter Prescott Webb - (1888–1963)

Historian and author noted for his groundbreaking work on the American West:

Walter Prescott Webb, a renowned historian and author, is best known for his groundbreaking work on the American West. His influential scholarship and dedication to historical research have left a lasting impact on the understanding of the American frontier and the development of the western United States.

Early Life and Education:

Walter Prescott Webb was born on April 3, 1888, on a farm in Panola County, Texas, to Casner P. and Mary Elizabeth (Kyle) Webb. His upbringing in rural Texas instilled in him a deep appreciation for the history and culture of the American West. Webb's early passion for history and writing was evident from a young age, as he aspired to become a writer and pursued his academic interests with determination.

Academic Pursuits and Career Beginnings:

In 1918, Webb was invited to join the history faculty at the University of Texas, marking the beginning of his distinguished career in academia. He wrote his Master of Arts thesis on the Texas Rangers in 1920, a topic that would later become a significant focus of his scholarly work. Webb's dedication to historical research and his commitment to understanding the complexities of the American West set the stage for his influential contributions to the field of history.

Scholarly Contributions and Impact:

Webb's work as a historian and author focused on the American West and the frontier experience, shedding light on the social, economic, and cultural dynamics that shaped the region. His scholarship provided valuable insights into the development of the western United States, challenging conventional narratives and offering a more nuanced understanding of the historical forces at play. Webb's impact extended beyond academia, as his work influenced public perceptions of the American West and contributed to a broader appreciation of its historical significance.

Connection to San Antonio:

During his early career, Webb worked as a bookkeeper in San Marcos and as an optometrist's assistant in San Antonio. His experiences in these Texas cities likely influenced his understanding of the local history and culture, further shaping his scholarly pursuits and research interests.

Notable Achievements and Recognition:

Throughout his career, Webb achieved numerous milestones and received recognition for his contributions to historical scholarship. He served as a Harkness Lecturer at London University in 1938, the Harmsworth Professor of American History at Oxford University in 1942-43, president of the Mississippi Valley Historical Association (Organization of American Historians) in 1954-55, and president of the American Historical Association in 1958. These prestigious appointments underscored his status as one of the preeminent historians of the American West and the western frontier.

Legacy and Influence:

Walter Prescott Webb's legacy as a historian and author continues to resonate in the field of American history and the study of the American West. His pioneering research, insightful writings, and dedication to historical accuracy have solidified his place as a key figure in shaping our understanding of the western frontier. Webb's impact on historical scholarship and public awareness of the American West remains significant and enduring, reflecting his enduring influence on the study of American history.

Key Achievements of Walter Prescott Webb:

• Distinguished career as a historian and author, focusing on the American West and the frontier experience.

• Influential scholarly contributions that challenged conventional narratives and provided valuable insights into the development of the western United States.

• Notable appointments and leadership roles in prestigious academic institutions and historical associations.

• Enduring legacy as a key figure in shaping our understanding of the American West and the western frontier.

• Recognition for his dedication to historical research and his impact on public perceptions of the American West.

Walter Prescott Webb's life and work exemplify a commitment to historical scholarship and a deep understanding of the American West. His enduring influence on the study of American history and the western frontier continues to inspire future generations of historians and scholars.

Connect With Me

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

-Matthew Larsen

Follow me on Instagram: https://instagram.com/matthewblarsen

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