Part 9/11:
Spanning from Florida to California, the Spanish colonial style demonstrates astonishing variety, born from material availability and regional climates. In Florida, early Spanish homes were simple structures made of coquina (a limestone shell material), like the González Alvarez House built in 1723, featuring thick walls, small windows, and courtyards.
Further west, in Texas and the Southwest, Spanish colonists constructed adobe buildings with flat roofs, open courtyards, and decorative tilework. The Alamo Mission in San Antonio (completed around 1749) epitomizes this style: a resilient stone edifice with a U-shaped layout, shaded courtyards, and a historical significance that endures today.