December 22 in San Antonio history…

1836
On December 22, 1836, the new Texas government form the county government of Bexar, with San Antonio as its County Seat.

1946
The Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo performs at the Municipal Auditorium.

1985
Ceremonies mark the return of the Hertzberg Clock to its rightful place at St. Mary’s and Houston streets after a three-year refurbishing and repainting project.

March 6 in San Antonio history…

1836
The final assault on the Alamo begins at approximately 5:30 a.m. Mexican forces take huge losses but capture the compound, killing the last of the 187 defenders who had held out within the walls of the fortified mission for thirteen days.

1894
Fireman Edward W. Hargrove was on the second floor at the Sunset Hose Company when the alarm sounded. He dashed to slide down the pole to the fire wagon, missed and fell to the first floor, breaking his ankle.

1978 
The new VIA Metropolitan Transit, successor to the San Antonio Transit System, officially takes over operation of local public transportation, although the transition from SATS to VIA has been going on for several months.

March 4 in San Antonio history…

1836
Santa Anna gathers his officers for a council of war. It is decided that when the final assault in the Alamo takes place, that they will take no prisoners. The time for the assault will be determined tomorrow. Having been consolidated into two batteries, the Mexican artillery, is brought to within 200 yards of the compound. More Texian reinforcements arrive in the late hours.

1886
The building at the “Jack Harris Corner” containing Sim Hart’s tobacco shop, the Vaudeville Theater and the Elite Restaurant is destroyed by fire.

1923
Louis Santikos opens the Palace Theater at 212 Losoya (right).

March 3 in San Antonio history…

1836
Col William Barret Travis is reported to have drawn his famous “line in the sand” in the Alamo on this day.

1976
The world-famous “Taj Mahal” at Randolph Air Force Base (right) is now an official state historical landmark.

2020
Work begins on the $750,000 project for conservation and stabilization of the convento at Mission San Jose.

March 2 in San Antonio history…

1836
Texas declares independence from Mexico at Washington-On-The-Brazos. The defenders of the Alamo, inside the walls for the past nine days, are unaware.

1879
The cornerstone of the German Methodist-Episcopal Church in La Villita is laid.  This church is now known as the Little Church of La Villita.

2020
At 2:50 p.m., North Star Mall is closed by owner Brookfield Properties for a 24-hour deep cleaning after reports that a person infected with the new COVID-19 virus visited the mall two days ago.

December 22 in San Antonio history…

1836
On December 22, 1836, the new Texas government forms the county government of Bexar, with San Antonio as its County Seat.

1859
The cornerstone of  St. Mark’s Episcopal Church is laid, but because of the Civil War, the first service in the completed church is not held until Easter 1875.

1967
The final pre-cast and furnished room (of 496) is flown into place on the 20th floor of the Palacio Del Rio Hotel.  Placement of the last room was scheduled for January 5, but H. B. Zachry’s crews became so adept at hoisting the 35-ton concrete rooms the “last flight” was moved up.

March 6 in San Antonio history…

1836
The final assault on the Alamo begins at approximately 5:30 a.m. Mexican forces take huge losses but capture the compound, killing the last of the 187 defenders who had held out within the walls of the fortified mission for thirteen days.

1898
The Cincinnati Red Legs baseball team is in town for three weeks to begin spring training at San Pedro Park. They are staying at the St. James Hotel. The Reds will divide into two teams, the Vets and the Colts, for their first game today. Any vacancies will be filled by members of the San Antonio Bronchos.

1925
Parachutes save the lives of Kelly flyers, Lt. C. D. McAllister and Cadet Charles A. Lindbergh, today when their planes collide in mid-air.  This is said to be the first time that two pilots have saved themselves by use of parachutes after a mid-air collision.

March 2 in San Antonio history…

1836
Texas declares independence from Mexico at Washington-On-The-Brazos. The defenders of the Alamo, inside the walls for the past nine days, are unaware.

1879
The cornerstone of German Methodist-Episcopal Church in La Villita is laid.  This church is now known as the Little Church of La Villita.

1971
The San Antonio Auto Show kicks off at the Convention Center. Featured attractions are the GM Astro I show car (right) and a performance by the Cowsills.

February 24 in San Antonio history…

1836
The Texans in the Alamo are summoned by Santa Anna to surrender.  He is answered by a cannon shot. Colonel William Barrett Travis writes his famous “Victory or Death” letter from the Alamo.

1928
Radio station KTSA (“Kum To San Antonio”) goes on the air (right).

1945
Sam Pokloff states in the San Antonio Express newspaper that his company, Academy Junk & Salvage, has received a shipment of 1,000 new porcelain teakettles along with some army beds.  The company was founded in 1938 as Academy Tire Shop on South Flores street and named for nearby St. Henry’s Academy.  The company known today as Academy Sports and Outdoors.

December 22 in San Antonio history…

1836
On December 22, 1836, the new Texas government formed the county government of Bexar, with San Antonio as its County Seat.

1934
“The Crimson Tide Special” train containing the Alabama eleven, stops in San Antonio for a brief workout before continuing on their way to the Rose Bowl. Alabama player Bill Young is stricken with appendicitis and will listen to the Rose Bowl from a Del Rio hospital room.  The 1934 Alabama team featured star end Don Hutson and the other lesser-known end, nicknamed “Bear” – Paul Bryant.

1967
The final pre-cast and furnished room (of 496) is flown into place on the 20th floor of the Palacio Del Rio Hotel.  Placement of the last room was scheduled for January 5, but H. B. Zachry’s crews became so adept at hoisting the 35-ton concrete rooms the “last flight” was moved up. (photo right)