The History of Lake Amistad

History
San Felipe del Rio, the original name of Del Rio, was settled in 1635 by Spanish missionaries. Since then, this area has seen Indian attacks, the coming of the railroads, Judge Roy Bean, "Law West of the Pecos," Wolfman Jack, the Cuban Missile Crisis and NAFTA. The area is steeped in Western history.

San Felipe Springs is one of the largest continually fed springs in Texas and was a favorite watering hole for Indians, soldiers, and early travelers to the area since the beginning of time. It was named for the King of Spain in 1675.

In 1869, ranchers from the area harnessed the springs with an elaborate canal and irrigation system which remains today, the major water supply for Del Rio. The springs and San Felipe Creek provide unlimited swimming and recreation.