San Antonio on Wheels  

Below are listed some of the research materials available in the Texana Collection. 

San Antonio on Wheels

Important dates in San Antonio transportation history.

1869: The first velocipede (bicycle) seen in San Antonio.

1874: The San Antonio Street Railway Company is charted and inaugurated.

1877: The railroad arrives in San Antonio.

1890: Mule-drawn streetcars replaced by the electric variety.

1899: The first automobile, an electric, arrives at Staacke Brothers here.

1933: San Antonio's streetcars are replaced by gasoline-powered buses.  San Antonio is the first city in the U.S. to convert completely to buses.

1945: San Antonio becomes the first city to use air-conditioned buses.

There is no comprehensive history of San Antonio, but here are some books that will give you a glimpse into its past. All are available in the Texana Collection at the San Antonio Central Library. Some are available at branch libraries.

The Following web sites provide detailed information about the San Antonio area.