OUR HISTORY
A tradition carried
through generations.
The story of the Asociación de Charros de San Antonio.
Mexican roots. A San Antonio home. Since 1947.
MORE THAN A TEAM
Heritage lives in
the people who carry it.
The association’s story brings together families, horsemanship, and the work of keeping a tradition alive.
Its founding purpose was to preserve charrería for future generations. The association’s home at 6126 Padre Drive became a gathering place for that work.
Read the historical overview1947 ONWARD / SELECTED MILESTONES
Our story,
through the years.
From the association’s beginnings
to a lasting place in the city.
- 1947
A tradition takes root
The Asociación de Charros de San Antonio was founded to carry charrería into future generations. The Handbook of Texas records its licensing that year as the federation’s first chapter in the United States.
Handbook of Texas - 1948
Riding into the city’s celebrations
The association made its Battle of Flowers Parade debut, bringing charro traditions into one of San Antonio’s best-known civic celebrations.
City preservation account - Early years
Finding a place to practice
Before settling on Padre Road, members practiced at Brackenridge Park, near Old Highway 90, and at the Roosevelt Golf Course site.
City preservation account - 1964
A home on Padre Road
The city’s preservation account dates the move to Padre Road to January 6, 1964. Members built and maintained the lienzo themselves, creating a lasting home for the association.
City preservation account - 1972
A larger place in Fiesta
The Handbook of Texas identifies 1972 as the year the association became a prominent Fiesta participant. Coronations and charreada royalty also form part of its civic traditions.
Handbook of Texas - 2014
A Day in Old Mexico, documented
A Library of Congress photograph dated April 13, 2014 documents the association-sponsored A Day in Old Mexico celebration during Fiesta. The record preserves a moment in this public tradition.
Library of Congress record - 2019
Recognizing a living heritage
A City of San Antonio preservation story highlighted the association’s history and its connection to the Legacy Business Program.
City preservation account
A note on the property dates
The Handbook of Texas records a ten-acre purchase in 1959. The city’s 2019 preservation story dates the settlement on Padre Road to January 6, 1964. These accounts may describe different stages of establishing the ranch; association records are needed to clarify the sequence.
Handbook of TexasCity preservation accountFROM GENERATION TO GENERATION
Families at
the heart of it.
A living tradition is built through time spent together.
The city’s preservation story identifies the Rodríguez and Ortega families with the association’s beginnings, the Gaona family with the 1970s, and the Durán family with the 2000s. It describes the lienzo as a place of enduring friendships and family participation.
Read the families’ storyThis archive will grow with the team’s photographs, memories, and records.
THE HISTORICAL RECORD
Sources behind
the story.
This overview draws on published historical accounts and an archival photograph record. Individual milestones link to their supporting sources.
- Handbook of Texas · San Antonio Charro AssociationMary Elise Grassmuck · Texas State Historical Association · 2016
- Charrería in San Antonio: a Mexican Tradition of Solidarity and TriumphVictoria Villaseñor · City of San Antonio Office of Historic Preservation · 2019
- A Day in Old Mexico · Archival photograph recordCarol M. Highsmith · Library of Congress · April 13, 2014
THE NEXT CHAPTER
The story
continues.
Stay connected with the team and find the next opportunity to gather.
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