b'The famous Buckhorn Saloon,complete with artifacts, is one ofMany beautiful mansions line the streets in the King William San Antonios heritage properties. district.The Alamo(continued from page 39)Most people focus on the one event of 1836, but the mis-sion dates back to 1718, and is steeped in history.It is the first of five missions built in the area, meant to convert local Indigenous people by force and to teach them Spanish.Theylived,farmed,andworshippedwithinthe stonewalls. In the 1800s, as Mexico sought independence from Spain, the mission became a fortress, first for Spanish forces, then for Mexicans, and finally, Texians. During the Mexican-American war, the Alamo turned into a busy U.S. Army storage depot. Today, the five missions form a National Historical Park.Due to the controversy surrounding the facts, and the governments attempt to make the Alamo the single mostThe future of this 100-year-old tree is in jeopardy.important event in Texan history, major donors to the Alamo Plan are dropping out. of the Alamo. Slated to open in 2025, if funds can be raised, TexasMonthlymagazineranacoverstorysuggestingthat museum will incorporate, of all things, a Woolworths doubts over the Collins collection. Slowly though, things are(dont ask me why).beginning to happen. Alamo Street is closed to traffic, afterRegardless of the truth behind the Alamo, San Antonio is fierce local opposition. Costumed historic interpreters can nowa fantastic city to visit. The Riverwalk is a 14km tree-lined interact with tourists on the plaza, and relay any facts theywaterway, dotted with numerous restaurants and shops. The wish. surrounding missions are steeped in history and the nightlife The Alamo Trust announced it would break ground thisis great. As the pandemic is starting to slow down, perhaps summer on a state-of-the-art exhibit hall, much larger thanthe Alamo Mission can go on your bucket list.the current one. It will showcase historic artefacts, including the Collins collection.Jonathan van Bilsens photosNtravel TV show can A second proposed space would serve as a visitors cen- be watched on RogersTV and YouTube.To follow tre and museum, which is dedicated to telling the real factsJonathans travel adventures visitphotosNtravel.comCan you imaginehow great it felt to be in the ocean?(Now times that by a million)Yes, you can! We are here when you are ready.TM TICO #4577532virginia.frew@marlintravel.ca905.985.2268158 Casimir Street, Port Perry40 FOCUS - MARCH 2022 TM'