Spanish Colonial Dam & Acequia Systems in Brackenridge Park San Antonio Texas

Summary

Report on archaeological investigations of two Spanish Colonial dams and associated irrigation canals (presas y acequias). The San Antonio de Valero begun in 1719 and the Labores de Arriba (or Upper Labor) begun in 1776. The Valero system supported irrigation for the eponymous Mission Pueblo. The Upper Labor system was for settlers in the Villa de San Fernando. Both systems have their headworks in the upper reach of the San Antonio River within the current Brackenridge Park. The Valero system diverted water to the east of the river and the Upper Labor to the west. Investiagtions in 2012-2014 uncovered remnants of the Valero Dam as well as significant remains of the Upper Labor. Presentation will focus on the cultural/structural remains of the features as well as post-Colonial modifications and impacts while addressing the larger question of water and its role in the growth and development of the San Antonio community.

This Resource is Part of the Following Collections

• Society for Historical Archaeology 2018   •
• Celebrating 300 Years: San Antonio's Origins: Missions, Presidio, Villa, and Camino and How They Shaped the Landscape and Culture

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Individual & Institutional Roles

Contact(s): Society for Historical Archaeology

Record Identifiers

PaperId(s): 325