The Conservation Society of San Antonio
Westside History Symposium – Watch Recording
Emma Tenayuca Speaker Series: In Memory of the 1921 Flood
The Westside Preservation Alliance, Esperanza Peace & Justice Center, & Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center presented their 2nd annual Westside History Symposium, highlighting innovative work in community history, historic preservation, and social justice. This year commemorated the 100th anniversary of the 1921 Flood.
The symposium included keynote speaker Dr. Char Miller, author of “West Side Rising: How San Antonio’s 1921 Flood Devastated a City and Sparked a Latino Environmental Justice Movement,” as well as a full day of panel discussions, a book signing, and a circle of remembrance. Click here for the full schedule of live-streamed events.
Watch the recorded symposium anytime on:
Save Westside history – Ask City Council to approve landmark designation for 503 Urban Loop. Hearing rescheduled to Thursday, Dec. 16th
Not sure what to say? This phone/e-mail template can help.
503 Urban Loop’s unique ties to the vanished Westside area known as Laredito extend back over 100 years. It reflects the history of the once vital Mexican American neighborhood but was relegated to notoriety because it was the location of the City’s red-light district. Its so-called “house of ill repute,” which generated significant income for the City, subsequently housed the Catholic Church’s ministry to the working-class Mexican American community, especially to women and children.
The Westside has fewer landmarks than other parts of the city. This is not because its history is less rich, but because its historic buildings receive less protection. You can help change this pattern of destruction by contacting the Mayor and City Council before the Dec. 16, 2021 City Council meeting.