As the first civilian settlement in Texas, San Antonio de Béxar was founded in 1718. Mission San Francisco de la Espada: This mission is established in 1690 by Spain.In 1731, it was relocated to present-day San Antonio, Texas, inwhat was then known as northern New Spain. It is 150 miles (240 km) from the Mexican border at Laredo, on one of the most-traveled routes to Mexico. San Antonio, city, seat (1837) of Bexar county, south-central Texas, U.S. (2000) 1,144,646; San Antonio Metro Area, 1,711,703; (2010) 1,327,407; San Antonio Metro Area, 2,142,508. At the time of European encounter, Payaya Indians lived near the San Antonio River Valley in the San Pedro Springs area. They remained there until March 1836, when they were massacred by Mexican troops under General Antonio López de Santa Anna following a 13-day siege. The site, on the river’s west bank, was a stopping place on the trail through the Texas wilderness between missions on the Rio Grande and those in East Texas. Then, 18 years later, what is now known as San Antonio was founded on May 1, 1718. The History Shop, San Antonio: Address, Phone Number, The History Shop Reviews: 4.5/5 Mira Milla. Our editors will review what you’ve submitted and determine whether to revise the article. Stay … San Antonio was permanently settled on May 1, 1718, when the Spanish governor of Coahuila and Texas, Martin de Alarcón, founded the presidio (a fort) of San Antonio de Bejar (Bexar) and the mission of San Antonio de Valero (later called the Alamo) on the site of a Coahuiltecan Indian village. © 2020 Visit San Antonio. Lackland, in the southwestern part of the city, is a training base for recruits. Ring in the new year with a Britannica Membership, This article was most recently revised and updated by, https://www.britannica.com/place/San-Antonio-Texas, Official Site of the City of San Antonio, Texas, United States, CRW Flags - Flag of San Antonio, Texas, United States, Maps of World - San Antonio Map, Texas, United States, United States History - San Antonio, Texas, United States, Texas State Historical Association - The Handbook of Texas Online - San Antonio, Texas, United States, San Antonio - Children's Encyclopedia (Ages 8-11), San Antonio - Student Encyclopedia (Ages 11 and up), San Antonio Missions National Historical Park. San Antonio was founded May 1, 1718, when a Spanish expedition from Mexico established the Mission San Antonio de Valero. If you’re from San Antonio, Fiesta isn’t just a large parade with parties; it’s a ten-day holiday where the whole city comes alive with color, and through the streets filled with people, you regularly hear ‘Happy Fiesta!’ Here’s the history behind the city’s beloved event, which has transformed tremendously since its inception in 1891. Report Station. San Antonio is the seventh-largest city in the country. During the last decades of the 19th century, San Antonio, as the starting point for the Chisholm Trail, became a major cattle centre, where herds were assembled for the overland drives to the railheads in Kansas. Come enjoy an engaging program or other services while you enjoy learning just why the historic “Alamo City” is so special. The city also has an international airport. San Antonio was the most important town in Texas and the rebels wanted to capture it. The San Antonio River is … History in Pictures. Join us as view these historical sites and landmarks with modern-day events, celebrations, and fun. The mission, later called the Alamo (Spanish: “Cottonwood”), was one of five founded in the area and was named for St. Anthony of Padua. Winding through the downtown area, its landscaped banks are lined with shops and restaurants. The Alamodome (1993) is the site of conventions, concerts, and sporting events. The city’s professional basketball team, the Spurs, was one of the most successful NBA franchises of the 21st century. The mission was secularized in 1793 and became a military post. Area city, 412 square miles (1,067 square km). Keep “San Antonio 365: On This Day in History,” by David Martin Davies and Yvette D. Benavides on your desk or in your work tote for quick, daily comparisons between then — … They named the place and river "San Antonio" in his honor. History > History in Pictures. 1 of 72 Historical photos archived by the U.S. Library of Congress show the harsh conditions San Antonio residents lived under during the Great … The Marion Koogler McNay Art Museum contains a notable collection of modern French paintings, and the Witte Museum houses Texas artifacts. On May 5 a presidio (military garrison) known as San Antonio de Béxar was established nearby. Randolph, in a suburban area to the northeast, is headquarters of the Air Education and Training Command. In 1691, San Antonio was discovered by Spanish explorers who first visited the site, then by a camp of the Payaya Indians. Agricultural production in the area includes cattle, poultry, peanuts (groundnuts), sorghum, vegetables, and greenhouse plants; the processing of and research on agricultural products is also important. San Antonio, TX Weather History star_ratehome. Get a Britannica Premium subscription and gain access to exclusive content. San Antonio’s character is a colourful blend of Mexican and Texan culture. In 2001 Ed Garza was elected the city’s second modern-era Hispanic mayor and was in office until 2005. Experience the city’s historical significance through tours, festivals and seasonal events. This mission was built with the aim of converting local Native Americans to Christianity, and as well as to solidify the territorial claims of Spain in the New World against invasion from France. Historical Events. In the summer of that year, Stephen Austin arrived in the city—then seat of the Spanish government in Texas—to follow through on a permit obtained by his father for the admission of 300 U.S. families into the territory. Please select which sections you would like to print: Corrections? San Fernando Cathedral (completed 1873) is the seat of a Roman Catholic archbishopric. The River Walk, or Paseo del Rio, is San Antonio’s outdoor centrepiece. Physical Address Development and Business Services Center 1901 S. Alamo San Antonio, TX 78204 Phone: 210.207.0035 Hours: Monday - Friday, 7:45am - … Capturing the spirit of Texas, San Antonio is a Mecca for history buffs.From its Native American occupation, discovery by Spanish explorers, old missions, the Battle of the Alamo, and the Old West, the history and attractions of this beautiful city can entertain its visitors for days. 1718. Spanish explorers first visited the site, then a camp of the Payaya Indians, in 1691. According to the 2015 Tourism Report , 34.4 million visitors came to the San Antonio metropolitan area. It preserves much of its historical atmosphere and embraces its cultural diversity. We will review the data in question. San Antonio was founded May 1, 1718, when a Spanish expedition from Mexico established the Mission San Antonio de Valero. San Antonio Weather History for the Previous 24 Hours Show weather for: Previous 24 hours January 12, 2021 January 11, 2021 January 10, 2021 January 9, 2021 January 8, 2021 January 7, 2021 January 6, 2021 January 5, 2021 January 4, 2021 January 3, 2021 January 2, 2021 January 1, 2021 December 31, 2020 December 30, 2020 December 29, 2020 December 28, 2020 Military installations largely account for San Antonio’s rapid growth after 1940. The San Antonio River Walk has been a must-visit location in Texas for years, and there is no questioning why. The mission, later called the Alamo (Spanish: “Cottonwood”), was one of five founded in the area and was named for St. Anthony of Padua . Let us know if you have suggestions to improve this article (requires login). At the time of Mexican independence in 1821, San Antonio was, along with Goliad and Nacogdoches, one of three established Spanish communities in Texas. The History Of The San Antonio River Walk In 1 Minute. Add to Plan. The Alamo, the four missions in the national historic park, and the Rancho de las Cabras to the southeast in Floresville (also part of the national historic park) were collectively designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2015. The city quickly became the commercial hub of the Southwest. Articles from Britannica Encyclopedias for elementary and high school students. Nearby are three U.S. Air Force bases: Lackland, Randolph, and Brooks. San Antonio, also known by such titles as the Alamo City, the Mission City, the River City, and Military City, U.S.A. (which the city trademarked in 2017), has a 300-year history that stretches back to Spanish Texas with the establishment of a presidio, town, and five Franciscan missions along the San Antonio River. 1835-12-05 - 10th: Assault on Mexican-held San Antonio by Texan rebels. The St. Anthony (from USD 183) historic hotels in san antonio | the st. anthony. 1842-03-05 Over 500 Mexican troops led by Rafael Vasquez invade Texas, briefly occupy San Antonio and then head back to the Rio Grande. By 1837, when it became a county seat of the Republic of Texas, it had been renamed San Antonio. The River Walk at night, San Antonio, Texas. 50 F San Antonio International Airport Station | Report. Annual events include a rodeo (February), Fiesta San Antonio (April), and the Texas Folklife Festival (June). A Spanish expedition from Mexico established the Mission San Antonio de Valero. In 1891 a group of citizens decided to honor the heroes of the Alamo and Battle of San Jacinto with a Battle of Flowers. A portion of San Antonio's Market Square will be shuttered for three months beginning Jan. 2 — and it's not because of the coronavirus pandemic. Fort Sam Houston (1879), inside the city, is the headquarters of the U.S. Fifth Army and is the site of a national cemetery and the Academy of Health Sciences, the army’s basic school for medical personnel. All rights reserved. The second most-populous city in Texas, it is the focus of a metropolitan area that includes Alamo Heights, Castle Hills, Converse, Kirby, Leon Valley, Live Oak, Schertz, Terrell Hills, Universal City, and Windcrest. San Antonio: History: The South. The mission is renamed Mission San Antonio de Valero. March on San Antonio . Be on the lookout for your Britannica newsletter to get trusted stories delivered right to your inbox. The San Antonio Zoo, which includes an aquarium, is a popular attraction. We !Viva! San Antonio Missions National Historical Park (established 1978) preserves the Spanish missions Nuestra Señora de la Concepción de Acuña, San José y San Miguel de Aguayo, San Juan Capistrano, and San Francisco de la Espada. In 1836 San Antonio was still the foremost city of Texas, with some 2,500 inhabitants. "The history of the missions and the lives of the native Americans who lived with the Franciscans who open the missions before the Texas Revolution." In December 1835, at the outset of the Texas Revolution, Texan forces occupied the Alamo. Thank you for reporting this station. 1861-05-16 Major General Twiggs surrenders to Confederate Army in San Antonio, Texas (US Civil War) Historic San Antonio: Brave Old World Come and breathe in the life of historic San Antonio. River Walk Patrol The Riverwalk Patrol section is established to patrol the San Antonio Riverwalk and adjacent areas in an effort to improve tourism-related activity on the River. Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree.... View of the San Antonio, Texas, skyline at dusk. 1716. It grew rapidly after independence, led by large numbers of German immigrants. Martin de Alarcon, Governor of Texas, names the presidio San Antonio de Bejar in honor of the Duque de Bejar, The Mission of San Francisco de Solano is moved from the Rio Grande to merge with Mission San Antonio de Padua. Omissions? A health science centre of the University of Texas is also there. Mexican General Martín Perfecto de Cos, brother-in-law of Mexican President Antonio López de Santa Anna, decided to … "Yet another example of the historical architecture in San Antonio...this beautiful little Mission is a stark contrast … A food and drink scene bursting with flavor and fun. Since 1995, Tom Jackson, a 5 th generation Texan and internationally-known living historian, has taken his audiences from all over the world on fun, entertaining, and inspirational journeys through San Antonio's unique history while dressed in historic attire. Last Updated: Dec 17, 2020 See Article History San Antonio Spurs, American professional basketball team established in 1967 that is based in San Antonio, Texas. In 1731 settlers from the Canary Islands laid out the town of San Fernando de Béxar near the presidio, where a civilian community had been planned when the presidio and mission were established. In 1691, a group of Spanish explorers and missionaries came upon the river and Payaya settlement on June 13, the feast day of St. Anthony of Padua. 1771-07-14 Mission San Antonio de Padua founded in California. Remains of 18th-century Spanish structures dot the city, contrasting with modern office buildings. The San Antonio Museum of Art has a collection of Latin American art, and the Museo Alameda, which is affiliated with the Smithsonian Institution, is dedicated to Latin American culture. By 1890, San Antonio, Texas, was a thriving trade center with population of 38,000. Inside San Antonio: History - Before you visit San Antonio, visit Tripadvisor for the latest info and advice, written for travellers by travellers. University Center, University of Texas at San Antonio. A property must meet at least three of the 16 UDC criteria to be considered historically significant. Today, many of the city’s early architectural and cultural elements remain, allowing visitors to visit the historical sites in San Antonio and see into the city’s storied past first-hand. Named the first World Heritage Site in Texas by the United Nations Organization for Education, Science and Culture (UNESCO), the designation includes the city’s four southernmost Spanish colonial missions – Concepción, San José, San Juan, Espada, and the famous Alamo, located in Downtown San Antonio, and is one of the most popular historical sites in San Antonio. Manufactures include aerospace equipment, textiles, semiconductors, industrial machinery, and shoes; there are also oil refineries. San Antonio was a major military centre during World Wars I and II, a factor that continued to dominate its economy in subsequent decades. for Fiesta, wear silver and black for our Spurs and beam with pride in our distinction of Military City USA®. The city also has dozens of music, dance, and theatre organizations, including a professional symphony. Inc. 1809. Mission San José y San Miguel de Aguayo, part of San Antonio Missions National Historical Partk, San Antonio, Texas. During its early years the settlement suffered from raids by Apache and Comanche tribes. San Antonio is the seat of St. Mary’s University (1852), Trinity University (1869), the University of the Incarnate Word (1881), Our Lady of the Lake University (1896), St. Philip’s College (1898), San Antonio College (1925), and the University of Texas at San Antonio (1969). Office of Historic Preservation. Our brave old world is your next, new adventure. Sgt. Stephen F. Austin was named commander of the Texian army and immediately marched on San Antonio: he arrived there with some 300 men in mid-October. "The Iceman" And "The Admiral" Stand Tall In Spurs' Past And Future 1966-69: In The Beginning 1969-73: A Change Of Names, A Change Of Cities 1973: Franchise Relocates To San Antonio 9 February 2017. ParkPolice. It is situated at the headwaters of the San Antonio River on the Balcones Escarpment, about 80 miles (130 km) southwest of Austin. In 1968 a world’s exposition, known as HemisFair, was held there to commemorate the city’s 250th anniversary and to celebrate its cultural ties with Latin America. Brooks, in the southeastern part of the city, is the site of the School of Aerospace Medicine. In 1981 Henry Cisneros was elected the city’s first Hispanic mayor since the mid-19th century; Cisneros served until 1989. The city’s rich culture offers an authentic glimpse of early Spanish colonial life in the Southwest. HemisFair Park, the site of the world’s fair, is linked to the central city by the River Walk and is used for conventions and exhibitions; the park’s Institute of Texan Cultures traces nationalities of Texas, and its Tower of the Americas, 750 feet (229 metres) tall, is a city landmark. SeaWorld San Antonio includes amusement rides and animal shows as well as marine animal exhibits. Park Rangers. Top San Antonio History Museums: See reviews and photos of history museums in San Antonio, Texas on Tripadvisor. … In addition to the military, major components of San Antonio’s economy are education, health care and medical research, business and financial services, and—most importantly—tourism. The region’s first air base, Kelly (established 1917), was closed in 2001, and its site was redeveloped for business use. The park, with a total area of about 1.3 square miles (3.3 square km), is located along the Mission Trail, which begins at the Alamo and extends 9 miles (14 km) southeastward along the San Antonio River. Other historic sites include the famous Alamo (maintained as a state historic site), the reconstructed Spanish Governor’s Palace (1749), and La Villita (a section of reconstructed Spanish settlement). Pop. By signing up for this email, you are agreeing to news, offers, and information from Encyclopaedia Britannica. San Fernando de Béxar functioned as provincial capital from 1773 to 1824, but in subsequent years its political authority waned. The arrival of the first railroad in 1877 brought migrants from the American South, and Mexican immigrants settled there after the start of the Mexican Revolution in 1910. Updates? They called the vicinity Yanaguana, meaning "refreshing waters". 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