The city also has an international airport. A Spanish expedition from Mexico established the Mission San Antonio de Valero. Area city, 412 square miles (1,067 square km). 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. Our editors will review what you’ve submitted and determine whether to revise the article. As the first civilian settlement in Texas, San Antonio de Béxar was founded in 1718. The St. Anthony (from USD 183) historic hotels in san antonio | the st. anthony. 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. Historic San Antonio: Brave Old World Come and breathe in the life of historic San Antonio. Mexican General Martín Perfecto de Cos, brother-in-law of Mexican President Antonio López de Santa Anna, decided to … They called the vicinity Yanaguana, meaning "refreshing waters". 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. It is 150 miles (240 km) from the Mexican border at Laredo, on one of the most-traveled routes to Mexico. By 1837, when it became a county seat of the Republic of Texas, it had been renamed San Antonio. Come discover what’s old and explore what’s new in our diverse communities, offerings, and celebrations. 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 — … Be on the lookout for your Britannica newsletter to get trusted stories delivered right to your inbox. During its early years the settlement suffered from raids by Apache and Comanche tribes. Inside San Antonio: History - Before you visit San Antonio, visit Tripadvisor for the latest info and advice, written for travellers by travellers. 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. 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. The San Antonio Zoo, which includes an aquarium, is a popular attraction. In 1691, San Antonio was discovered by Spanish explorers who first visited the site, then by a camp of the Payaya Indians. Sgt. 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. Alamo Dominates Early History Crossing six miles of city blocks, the San Antonio River is the focus of the city, just as it has been ever since the surrounding valley drew wandering Coahuitecan tribes seeking respite from the heat. Updates? Remains of 18th-century Spanish structures dot the city, contrasting with modern office buildings. San Antonio’s character is a colourful blend of Mexican and Texan culture. Physical Address Development and Business Services Center 1901 S. Alamo San Antonio, TX 78204 Phone: 210.207.0035 Hours: Monday - Friday, 7:45am - … 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. History > History in Pictures. SeaWorld San Antonio includes amusement rides and animal shows as well as marine animal exhibits. 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. "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." Omissions? 1861-05-16 Major General Twiggs surrenders to Confederate Army in San Antonio, Texas (US Civil War) It preserves much of its historical atmosphere and embraces its cultural diversity. The Alamodome (1993) is the site of conventions, concerts, and sporting events. 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. In 1891 a group of citizens decided to honor the heroes of the Alamo and Battle of San Jacinto with a Battle of Flowers. San Antonio: History: The South. It is situated at the headwaters of the San Antonio River on the Balcones Escarpment, about 80 miles (130 km) southwest of Austin. Military installations largely account for San Antonio’s rapid growth after 1940. San Fernando Cathedral (completed 1873) is the seat of a Roman Catholic archbishopric. San Antonio is the seventh-largest city in the country. 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 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. In 1981 Henry Cisneros was elected the city’s first Hispanic mayor since the mid-19th century; Cisneros served until 1989. The San Antonio River Walk has been a must-visit location in Texas for years, and there is no questioning why. Inc. 1809. 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. 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, 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. the st. anthony. for Fiesta, wear silver and black for our Spurs and beam with pride in our distinction of Military City USA®. As the first civilian settlement in Texas, San Antonio de Béxar was founded in 1718. 1771-07-14 Mission San Antonio de Padua founded in California. 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. 1835-12-05 - 10th: Assault on Mexican-held San Antonio by Texan rebels. Add to Plan. Conservation Society of San Antonio librarian Beth Standifird told commissioners the farm meets four criteria for historic significance as defined by the National Register of Historic Places and the Unified Development Code (UDC). 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). University Center, University of Texas at San Antonio. "Yet another example of the historical architecture in San Antonio...this beautiful little Mission is a stark contrast … The mission, later called the Alamo (Spanish: “Cottonwood”), was one of five founded in the area and was named for St. Anthony of Padua. 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. 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 Thank you for reporting this station. Mission San José y San Miguel de Aguayo, part of San Antonio Missions National Historical Partk, San Antonio, Texas. In December 1835, at the outset of the Texas Revolution, Texan forces occupied the Alamo. 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. 1716. San Antonio was a major military centre during World Wars I and II, a factor that continued to dominate its economy in subsequent decades. 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