San Antonio 365: On This Day in History tells one story a day in
the history of the Alamo City, from popular lore to lesser known events
critical to understanding its people and culture. The result is a
treasure trove of remarkable tales highlighting small ripples that
created big waves in the region's history.
The stories in San Antonio 365 are fun and enlightening slices of
history, but they also highlight our collective need to learn from the
past. Internationally known as a center of business and tourism, San
Antonio has also been the site of significant episodes in the fight for
equal rights and justice, the importance of economic and cultural
diversity, and the evolution of good government. Among the 365 stories
are the anti-Communist riot at Municipal Auditorium led against Emma
Tenayuca, the segregation of cinemas and swimming pools, and the 1955
integration of San Antonio schools.
Charming anecdotes and quotes bring each story to life. For instance,
did you know that Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid cooled their heels
on the streets of San Antonio a few miles from what would became
Interstate 10--where the rock group R.E.M. filmed their iconic video
"Everybody Hurts"? A lively essay introducing each month underscores the
important ways that history is never just about the past.
As Kurt Vonnegut said, "History is merely a list of surprises. It can
only prepare us to be surprised yet again." San Antonio 365 brings to
life more than three hundred years of surprises, highlighting both
historical moments that have been overlooked and those told again and
again--and the compelling characters who shaped the city.
