The Plaza de Las Islas was the traditional heart of the City of San Antonio. It represented the center of the early community with the cathedral, government buildings, and commercial structures radiating from its center.

As the city grew in size after the Civil war, this “Main Plaza” lost its importance as new forms of transportation (railroad, trolley, and automobiles) replaced the earlier horse and wagon. Commercial areas, and later government buildings, turned away from the plaza in the ever expanding city. With this change came a loss of the pedestrian orientation of the community. But, in the 21^st century, this value has been elevated with the plaza forming an integral part of the San Antonio’s revitalized downtown.