Downtown in San Antonio in Bexar County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)

St. Anthony de Padua

Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, May 22, 2018

1. St. Anthony de Padua Marker

Inscription. San Antonio is named for the Catholic saint, Anthony (San Antonio) of Padua. Born in Portugal in 1195, he joined the Franciscan order and became a celebrated teacher of scripture. Anthony was declared a saint in 1232, less than a year after his death in Padua, Italy. When the first European explorers arrived here on St. Anthony's feast day, June 13, 1691, they renamed the existing Indian village of Yanaguana in his honor. His name was given to the area's largest river in 1709 and to the first of five Spanish missions in the area, San Antonio de Valero (known today as the Alamo). It was founded in 1718. By the 1800s the missionary-led communities along the river and nearby military and civilian settlements had merged into one town known simply as San Antonio. Today various local institutions bear St. Anthony's name, and his likeness is depicted in statuary throughout the community.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Colonial Era • Religion & Religious Structures • Settlements & Settlers.

Location. 29° 25.389′ N, 98° 29.148′ W. Marker is in San Antonio, Texas, in Bexar County. It is in Downtown. It can be reached from East Commerce Street 0.1 miles east of South Alamo Street, on the left when traveling west

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. Marker is located on the San Antonio River Walk, east of the Alamo Street Bridge, with access from Commerce Street, near St. Joseph's Catholic Church. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 801 East Commerce Street, San Antonio TX 78205, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in South Texas.

It is also in the American South.

Globally, it is in North America,

a Gulf of Mexico state,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain,

the Republic of Texas,

and one of the Confederate States of America.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Missions in the San Antonio River Valley (here, next to this marker); Alamo Funeral Pyre (within shouting distance of this marker); St. Joseph's Church (within shouting distance of this marker); 250th Anniversary of the Founding of San Antonio (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); Founding of the Pan American Round Table (about 500 feet away); Congressman Henry B. Gonzalez (about 500 feet away); The Torch of Friendship (about 500 feet away); Menger Hotel (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in San Antonio.

Marker detail: Bronze Statue of St. Anthony image. Click for full size.

Courtesy: San Antonio Light Collection, Institute of Texas Cultures, San Antonio

2. Marker detail: Bronze Statue of St. Anthony

This bronze statue of St. Anthony was donated to the city by the saint's birth country Portugal, on the occasion of HemisFair '68. Pictured here at the Pies Portuguese pavilion, the statue was moved to the river in late 1968. It can be seen a short distance ahead.

Marker detail: This marble likeness stands in front of San Fernando Cathedral on Main Plaza image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Fred N. Pfeiffer, San Antonio

3. Marker detail: This marble likeness stands in front of San Fernando Cathedral on Main Plaza

St. Anthony is depicted in various ways, often holding a book, referencing his liturgical studies; the infant Jesus, who is said to have appeared to him in a vision; and a lily, the symbol of innocence.

Marker detail: St. Anthony of Padua statues around San Antonio image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Maria Watson Pfeiffer & Fred Pfeiffer, San Antonio

4. Marker detail: St. Anthony of Padua statues around San Antonio

St. Anthony of Padua is considered the patron of Portugal as well as of sailors, fishermen, travelers, and those seeking lost articles. St. Anthony School and St. Anthony de Padua Catholic Church are named for him.

St. Anthony de Padua Marker (<i>wide view; Commerce St./Market St. footbridge in background</i>) image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, May 22, 2018

5. St. Anthony de Padua Marker (wide view; Commerce St./Market St. footbridge in background)

St. Anthony de Padua Statue from Portugal (<i>located near marker</i>) image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, May 22, 2018

6. St. Anthony de Padua Statue from Portugal (located near marker)

Credits. This page was last revised on February 2, 2023. It was originally submitted on July 2, 2018, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 2,412 times since then and 191 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on July 3, 2018, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.