San Antonio, Texas’ Alamo Honored As UNESCO World Heritage Site, But Does The U.S. Still Lag Behind?

San Antonio, Texas, may seem like an unlikely candidate to join UNESCO’s list of protected world heritage sites when compared to the great historic centers like the Middle East and Europe with scores of well-preserved landmarks. But anyone wondering if Americans are up to snuff for the list need just to remember the Alamo.

With the addition of the San Antonio Missions to the list, the United States boasts just 11 cultural sites total — 23 with the inclusion of natural sites like the Grand Canyon and Yosemite national parks. This amount seems especially small compared to countries like Italy and France, where world heritage sites are nearly inescapable. Both countries have more than 40 UNESCO sanctioned spots, despite the fact that each of their total areas is smaller than the state of Texas alone.

On Sunday, San Antonio became the host of just the third U.S. location to be added to UNESCO’s list in the last 20 years. The San Antonio Missions, including the storied Alamo, are perhaps the most impressive existing remnant of Spanish-American colonial architecture. The structures were constructed, much like the Jesuit ruins throughout South America, as a means to spread Catholicism under the Spanish empire.

Susan Snow, archeologist for San Antonio Missions National Historical Park, says the sites now represent much more than the region’s religious history, according to PR Newswire.

“The San Antonio Missions are a tangible representation of everything required for a functioning Spanish colonial mission system, all within a short trek along the San Antonio River. These Missions are a living example of the interchange of cultures bringing together the indigenous, Spanish, Mexican, and other influences that form South Texas today. The resulting cross-cultural exchange is the very essence of the great melting pot of the United States.”

Receiving such a prestigious designation means more than just bragging rights for San Antonio. Tourism is already estimated to bring in $12 billion a year. That income is anticipated to increase by between $44 billion and $105 billion by 2025 as more tourists flood in to visit the UNESCO world heritage site.

Crystal Nix-Hines, U.S. ambassador and permanent representative to UNESCO, expressed excitement at finally managing to get the San Antonio, Texas Alamo and other missions the recognition they deserve.

“The United States has a powerful and valuable history that encompasses a wide range of peoples, creeds and experiences. The San Antonio Missions represent an important element of our story, and a World Heritage designation allows them to be shared not only within the U.S. but also the wider global community.”

Will you be visiting San Antonio, Texas, to visit the Alamo and other missions now that they’ve been classified as UNESCO world heritage sites?

[Image via Jill Torrance/Getty Images]