La Villita
La Villita (“little village”) has long been a fixture community within San Antonio. Settled most likely by squatters with no legal title to land during the 18th century, La Villita was a valuable farming area adjacent to the San Antonio River. It was one of San Antonio’s first “neighborhoods” and grew to a considerable size.
The area was considered a “slum” by city officials during the 1920s. But some, such as San Antonio Mayor Maury Maverick, envisioned a restored village that would celebrate the common people of San Antonio. Unemployed youths helped to restore and rebuild the community during the 1940s and the district soon became a haven for artists and art galleries.
La Villita is listed a historic district on the National Register of Historic Places.
