Archaeologists Uncover 18th-Century Acequia System at San Antonio High School Site
During archaeological work at Fox Tech High School in San Antonio, researchers have uncovered important historical sites, including part of the San Pedro acequia, a canal system from the 1700s lined with limestone. This discovery occurred while renovations funded by a $1.3 billion bond passed in 2020 were underway. The acequia, which is two feet deep and over three feet wide, was essential for irrigation and water supply, introduced by Spanish settlers in 1718 and lined with limestone in 1852. Also found were remnants of the Newton House, owned by Samuel Galitzin Newton, a lawyer and former mayor, which appeared on maps since 1896 before being demolished in the 1930s. Efforts are being made to register these sites with the Texas Historic Commission and put up a plaque.
Key facts
- Archaeologists discovered the San Pedro acequia, an 18th-century canal system, at Fox Tech High School in San Antonio.
- The acequia was lined with limestone in 1852 and served as a primary water source for irrigation and drinking.
- Excavations also revealed the Newton House, owned by Samuel Galitzin Newton, mayor in 1872.
- The San Pedro acequia measured two feet deep by over three feet wide and spanned more than three miles.
- Spanish colonists introduced acequias in 1718, with Native Americans digging initial ditches.
- A 2020 $1.3 billion bond funded renovations, including a $79 million budget for campus upgrades.
- Officials plan to install a plaque and register two historic sites with the Texas Historic Commission.
- The San Juan acequia is still used at Mission San Juan Capistrano's farm, managed by the San Antonio Food Bank.
Entities
Artists
- Samuel Galitzin Newton
- Tyler Bassett
- Vincent T. Davis
- Mitch Hagney
- Rhyma Castillo
- Sarah Kuta
Institutions
- San Antonio Independent School District
- Fox Tech High School
- Pape-Dawson
- San Antonio Food Bank
- Texas Historic Commission
- San Antonio Express-News
- Smithsonian Magazine
Locations
- San Antonio
- Texas
- United States
- Longmont
- Colorado
- Mission San Juan Capistrano
- Cape Cod
- Florida
- London
- Britain