05/30/2025
It's National Alligator Day, and while you won’t find alligators (*see disclaimer,) sunbathing along the San Antonio River today, these fascinating reptiles have a surprising connection to the history of South Texas.
During the Spanish colonial period in Texas (1700s), Franciscan missionaries and Indigenous communities built a sophisticated network of acequias, or “irrigation canals” that brought life to mission farmlands. These waterways not only supported agriculture and daily life but also created rich riparian habitats teeming with wildlife. Though alligators are now mostly found in the eastern parts of Texas, historical accounts show that they once roamed much closer to this region especially near larger rivers and marshes.
Alligators were respected and sometimes feared by early settlers, but they also played a role in the ecosystem that nourished life along the San Antonio River. Today, their presence further east reminds us of the dynamic and diverse natural world that shaped and still shapes the land where history lives.
Image Description: This photo captures a scenic view of the historic Espada Aqueduct in San Antonio Missions National Historical Park. The aqueduct, made of rough-cut limestone, features a prominent arch that spans a shallow, rocky creek. Beneath the arch, calm water reflects the blue sky and nearby greenery. On the far side of the arch, resting in the grassy bank near the water’s edge, is a large alligator. NPS/Andrew Shirey
Disclaimer: Please note that the alligator in this image has been digitally superimposed for creative purposes. There are no alligators currently living in the park or in its waterways.
