San Antonio Texas
San Antonio Area Information
San Antonio was originally a Spanish mission town, and the remnants of this time provide a rich tapestry of historical sites to visit. But once the Spaniards and Mexicans had been defeated in the Mexican and Texas revolutions, San Antonio entered a period of remarkable growth and prosperity. When Texas entered the United States in 1845, it was a town of approximately 800 people. But the city's location at a geographical crossroads soon made it a major distribution point in the United States' push for a country that spanned from the Atlantic to the Pacific Oceans. Immigrants, mostly German, caused the city to grow to be Texas' biggest by 1860. San Antonio became an important center for cattle drives, wool trade and the military.
San Antonio was first linked by rail to the rest of the country in 1877, when the Galveston, Harrisburg and San Antonio Railway opened. A new wave of immigration from southern parts of the U.S. changed the cultural mix once more. The city became a transportation hub with 5 railways running through the city by 1900. Infrastructure growth, such as a power plant, sewers and a water supply, boomed in the 1880s and 90s. A wave of Mexican immigration in the early 1900s put Hispanic residents in the majority, a mix that remains true today. The unique mix of cultures had a profound effect on the city's architecture, and created an enduring cultural diversity that makes San Antonio a unique and intriguing city to visit.
Tourism and the major military presence in the city power San Antonio's economic engine today. Millions of visitors flock to the city each year to visit the Alamo and other historic sites. The Riverwalk district, theme parks and other attractions also draw crowds. There are five major military bases located in and around San Antonio, each bringing thousands of new recruits to the city each year. San Antonio is also a major educational center, with many colleges and universities and a thriving medical research community.While Spanish and Mexican influences are what caused the city to be, San Antonio has played a pivotal role in U.S. history. The city has been marked over the years by cultural diversity, growth and change.
San Antonio is often thought of as one of America's most unique cities, and it's easy to see why. The city's history is rich and full, and features cultural influences from Mexico, Spain, Germany and the American south.Spanish missionaries founded the city in the early 1700s. The city survived wars and revolutions until Texas joined the United States in 1845. A large influx of German settlers around that time added a new element of culture to an already diverse city. From then on, San Antonio has seen steady growth to become one of the ten largest cities in the United States, and third largest in Texas.
The major economic engines in San Antonio are tourism, education, a large and stable military presence and medical research facilities. Millions of people flock to San Antonio each year to explore the historic Spanish missions, the Alamo or just to enjoy the warm climate and many outdoor activities. These visitors have created a vibrant tourism industry, with many hotels, museums, restaurants and an international airport with more than 100 flights a day. Downtown San Antonio features a traditional Mexican market in Market Square, and a unique arts and crafts community called La Villita.
There are more than 10 universities and colleges in San Antonio, as well as a large medical research community. The influx of young people from all over America to attend school here means that the city can still feel young while maintaining its status as a favored retirement spot. There are several major military bases in and around the city of San Antonio, drawing many more people from all over the country to this unique city.A major event in San Antonio each year is the Fiesta San Antonio. Generally held in April, the 10-day Fiesta features more than 150 events, such as fireworks, carnivals, ethnic feasts and parades. The Fiesta started in 1891 as a celebration of Texas heroes, and has since grown to honor all the people and cultures that have made San Antonio unique. Fiesta draws more than three million visitors annually from within the city and around the world.
From Spanish mission town to military headquarters and from sheep station to educational center, San Antonio has enjoyed a rich and diverse heritage. And with traditional Texas hospitality, it shares that heritage with millions of visitors each year.
San Antonio is often referred to as the heart of Texas. It is a city rich in history, blending its Spanish colonial roots with the pioneering spirit that helped Texas break away from Mexico and join the United States more than 100 years ago. In San Antonio you will find a mix of the old and the new; missions that date back to the 1700s share the same city as ultra-modern towers and sports facilities.It was Spanish missionary Father Antonio Olivares who established the first mission alongside the San Antonio River in 1718. Franciscan monks used Mission San Antonio de Valero until about 1793. As the Spaniards tried to convert native Americans and dominate what they thought of as "northern New Spain," they constructed a small city for their troops and a mansion for their governor. Later, after the mission had been dissolved, it became known as the Alamo. It was the site of one of the central battles of the Texas revolution - when a band of stalwart troops that included Davy Crockett fought a losing battle in 1836 against an invading Mexican army. "Remember the Alamo" became the battle cry that helped spur the Texans to victory in the ensuing revolution.
Since then, San Antonio has grown to become one of the ten largest cities in the United States. It is home to many military bases, including Fort Sam Houston where the famous Buffalo Soldiers trained for their role in bringing peace to the American frontier. Medical research has a major presence in the area, and more than 10 universities and colleges put San Antonio on the cutting edge of the information age.
Even with its eyes set firmly on the future, San Antonio has not forgotten its past. Many museums and art galleries can be found, bringing history alive for the many visitors to the city. And places like La Villita and Market Square show visitors how the city looked once upon a time.Rich in history, San Antonio is striding confidently into the new millennium. With its many sights and warm Texas hospitality, the heart of Texas is sure to grab a place in any visitor's heart.