Plus, Lower Broadway detours.
 
09.30.2024 6AM-Top banner logo-small.png

SUBSCRIBE
6AM City In-house

Today’s Forecast

Full Weather Report | Traffic Report
 

What’s in a name?

San Antonio toponymy: The origin of local place names
SATXtoday: Bexar County Court House
The Bexar County Courthouse was built between 1892-1896 and stands on the corner of Dolorosa + Dwyer Streets in downtown San Antonio. | Photo by Lily Thomas
What’s in a name? As it turns out, quite a lot.

We’re indulging in some San Antonio history today, specifically with a look at local toponymy, the study of place names.

Balcones Heights

This enclave city gets its name from the Spanish word for “balcony.” It’s said that when Lieutenant Governor of Texas, Bernardo de Miranda y Flores, saw the hills in 1756 he thought they looked like balconies.

Cibolo

While some posit that the name is derived from “an Indian word meaning “buffalo,” we found a 19th-century text detailing an archeological expedition of the Southwest that provides some more context.

According to this text, “cibolo” may come from “cibola” — a Spanish transliteration of a Zuni pueblo — and buffalo were sometimes called “the cows of Cibola.” Eventually, this got shortened to just “cibola” or “cibolo.” Interesting, right?

Dignowity Hill

This suburb gets its name from Dr. Anthony Michael Dignowity, a Czech immigrant who first settled the area when he built his family home on a hill. Dr. Dignowity is also known for his work as a public official, physician, and abolitionist.

A front-facing facade of a white Victorian-style, two-story house with columns providing a grand entrance.

The King William neighborhood is marked by its distinctive European architectural influences

|

Photo by @parkerleefilm

King William

This downtown historic district is said to be named for King Wilhelm I, the monarch of Prussia in the 1870s. But why? Some say it’s because in the mid-1800s the neighborhood was predominately populated by German immigrants.

Tobin Hill

Named for John Wallace Hill, the “gunless sheriff” of Bexar County for twenty-one years. He also served as mayor from 1923 until his death in 1927.

A map of San Antonio with multiple orange dots marking historic neighborhoods.

Click the map to explore more spots and add your own.

|

Map via Proxi

We know there are many more places with historical names around San Antonio. Let us know what we missed by adding a point to our map.
5+ more historical names
 
Events
Monday, Sept. 30
  • Sundown Rooftop Yoga | Monday, Sept. 30 | 7:30 p.m. | Hermann Sons Ballroom | $15 | Bring your own mat for a sundown wind down led by certified yoga instructor Stephanie Cavazos.
  • Newspaper Boys: Ayer y Hoy en San Anto | Monday, Sept. 30-Thursday, Oct. 17 | 10 a.m.-4 p.m. | San Antonio | Free | See this artwork depicting newspaper delivery boys across generations.
Tuesday, Oct. 1
  • Story Time in the Park | Tuesday, Oct. 1 | 10-11 a.m. | Hemisfair | Free | Listen to this month’s storybook, “Parker Looks Up: An Extraordinary Moment,” followed by a hands-on activity.
Wednesday, Oct. 2
  • Delving into the Celtic Isles: Inspiration from International Poets | Wednesday, Oct. 2 | 8-10:30 a.m. | Gemini Ink | $75+ | Explore poets like Nuala Ni Dhomhnaill and Seamus Heaney + develop your own skills as a writer.
  • DIY Mosaic from Cans | Wednesday, Oct. 2 | 2-4 p.m. | Central Library | Free | Local Latina artist Linda Monsiváis Hernández will teach participants how to create a mosaic-inspired piece — registration required.
Thursday, Oct. 3
  • Community Ofrenda | Thursday, Oct. 3-Monday, Nov. 4 | Times vary | The Briscoe Western Art Museum | Price of admission | Bring mementos and personal offerings to contribute to this display available for viewing and participation through the month.
Events calendar here
Click here to have your event featured.
 
Finance

Business

How to get rewarded for shopping this holiday season
Presented by an SATXtoday Partner
a man and a woman walk on a sidewalk each holding shopping bags in their hands
Put a little money back into your account this holiday season when you shop in the $hopping Rewards online portal. | Photo provided by United Texas Credit Union
Swipe, save, and get rewarded for shopping? Count us in.

This holiday season, we’re swiping United Texas Credit Union’s Ultimate Checking debit card to make smart purchases.

Along with unlimited 0.5% cash back, the card offers users other perks including $hopping Rewards, which gives members access to exclusive offers and discounts at thousands of leading online retailers.

Here’s how it works:
  • Shop online using the customized shopping portal and receive cash back.
  • Your cash back will be held in your $hopping Rewards account to use towards future purchases or conveniently sent to you as a check.
Pro tip: Some of the best deals currently available include: Save up to 60% off on your next hotel stay with an Express Deal with Priceline, and up to 40% off Daily Deals at Expedia.

Open an Ultimate Checking Account with United Texas Credit Union to take advantage of great deals and cash back with $hopping Rewards this holiday season — and into the New Year.
Make smart money moves
News Notes
Biz
  • So long, USAA. The insurance and financial services company formerly headquartered in San Antonio relocated to Phoenix, AZ last April. The move comes after the company was locally based for nearly four decades. (San Antonio Express-News)
Traffic
  • Final paving is slated to begin on Lower Broadway today. There will be rolling closures + detours, but all businesses will remain open. Stay updated.
Announced
  • Preview the Spurs in action during their open scrimmage on Saturday, Oct. 19 at 5 p.m. The event is free — but you’ll need to win tickets to attend.
Civic
  • The Leon Valley Fire Department and Bexar County Emergency Services District No. 4 will merge on Tuesday, Oct. 1. The partnership aims to reduce response times and staff each fire station with five personnel. (KENS5)
Concert
  • The Experience Hendrix Tour hits San Antonio on Wednesday, Oct. 9 at the Majestic Theatre. Tickets start at $49.
Ranked
  • Toyota is the No. 78 company for workplace well-being, according to a nationwide study by Indeed. Read more about local top industries and employers. Psst — the assembly line in San Antonio has cranked out 126,189 new vehicles as of 2022.
Sports
  • The preseason is just warming up for Stars center Mavrik Bourque. Get the latest news, analysis, and insider information for the Dallas Stars with Locked On’s daily, team-focused podcasts.
    Listen
    • Ready to silence the chaos and hear what matters? These next-gen hearing aids are here to crush the noise and put you back in control. With razor-sharp sound and a stealthy design, they’re your little secret. Hear the difference.*
       
      Art

      So many murals

      48 murals around San Antonio
      Hispanic Heritage Month Mural SATX
      In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, artist Edefroy “Froy” Padilla depicts notable figures César Chávez, Frida Kahlo, Gabriel García Márquez, and Selena. | Photo by SATXtoday team
      We’re always on the lookout for a good mural. After all, San Antonio is our favorite gallery. Here are three we just had to show you this week:

      “Always Pa’delante,” 303 Pearl Pkwy. | By Edefroy “Froy” Padilla

      Make your way to the Pearl’s shaded structure to find a new mural every month.

      “Untitled,” 120 Guadalupe St. | By KANT

      City Editor Nicholas discovered this mural while on a photowalk with local artist Aaron Christmas. It’s even more vibrant in person.

      “Celebrating Joy,” 126 Main Plaza | By Joseph Ramey

      Head to the Love Lock Bridge and find this larger-than-life mural. See the behind the scenes of how Ramey painted the wall by using a river barge.
      30+ more murals
      The Buy

      The Buy 9.30.24 (Affiliate)
      Fast-dissolving melatonin mints that support sleep hygiene. They’re sugar-free and formulated with a natural blend of lemon balm, chamomile, passion flower, and elderberry — all ingredients that help regulate your sleep cycle and promote relaxation.
      More worth The Buy
       
      The Wrap
       
      Jessalin Nagamoto.jpg

      Today’s edition by:
      Jessalin
      From the editor
      If you don’t already, this is your sign to follow us on Instagram. Where else can you see a love letter to San Antonio?
      Missed our previous newsletter?     ›
      Send Us A Scoop, Question, or Feedback     ›
      Advertise with us to stand out.     ›
      Games | Crossword, Sudoku, and More     ›
       
       

      Content marked with an * is paid advertising. Content marked with an ^ is created by our content studio. The company may also generate commission from affiliate links in the newsletter.

      Change your preferences or unsubscribe here.

      Copyright © 2023 6AM City Inc, All rights reserved.

      P.O. Box 2505, Greenville, SC 29602

      ADVERTISE | CAREERS | ETHICS | PRIVACY | THE BUY