San Antonio

San Antonio is often dubbed a crossroads, and with good reason: a dynamic blend of Hispanic, Native American, and European cultures animates the city. Located in southern Texas, the area was settled by Apaches drawn to the refreshing waters of the river. Spanish missionaries arrived in 1691, but the city was officially founded in 1718 when the Mission San Antonio de Valero (better known as the Alamo) was established. Festivals such as the Texas Folklife Festival and Fiesta San Antonio! maintain the city’s manifold cultures. Today, telecommunications goliath AT&T and NBA heroes the Spurs bring San Antonians together, as does the city’s signature River Walk. This 2.5 mile stretch of restaurants, bars, and shops along the San Antonio River provides the ideal place for the city (and plenty of tourists) to mix and mingle.

San Antonio Facts

Fact 1: A defining moment in American history. On February 13, 1836, Mexican leader Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna led more than 2,500 soldiers to San Antonio as part of an effort to quell an uprising for Texas independence from Mexico. A small garrison at the old Alamo mission held Santa Anna's forces at bay for thirteen days before they were overwhelmed.

Fact 2: San Antonio offers one of America's most picturesque walks. Take a stroll on the Paseo del Rio (Riverwalk). The cobblestone path along the San Antonio River is lined with greenery and offers tons of boutiques and sidewalk cafes. The paths and stone stairways were built in the 1930's as a Depression-era federal project.

Fact 3: That's one mighty big steer. If you're looking for the odd and curious, you must check out the Buckhorn Saloon & Museum. The exhibit halls include "Old Tex," a longhorn with a horn span of more than eight feet, a wax museum and a collection of Lone Star beer memorabilia. Saddle up to a 100+ year old bar or enjoy some trick roping and cowboy poetry.

Fact 4: There is enough military brass in this town for a John Phillip Sousa march. About 85,000 military personnel are stationed around San Antonio at Fort Sam Houston and Kelly, Lackland, Randolph and Brooks Air Force bases. Lackland houses an Air Force History Museum that features vintage historical aircraft.

Fact 5: Is that a Van Gogh among the tumbleweed? The McNay Art Museum features an impressive array of European and American modern art. Originally the home of oil heiress Marion Koogler McNay, this Mediterranean-style house includes works by van Gogh, Gauguin, Dali, Matisse, Picasso and O'Keeffe.

Fact 6: What is the eighth largest city in the US? If you said San Antonio, You are right. This is due in part to the broad mix of businesses from manufacturing to medical and health fields. The locating of major corporations and highly skilled jobs has created the diverse and growing community.

Fact 7: If you're looking for the rollercoaster ride of your life, San Antonio is the place for you. Check out the Superman Krypton Coaster at Six Flags Fiesta Texas. The ride creates a sensation of flying as you go up 16 stories and then drop at 70 mph and take a 114-foot vertical loop. Or try the Great White at Sea World San Antonio where you race through 2,500 feet of track, including going upside-down five times.

Fact 8: Gaze down at picturesque San Antonio. The best view of the city is from the top of the 750-foot Tower of the Americas. The tower was built as part of the 1968 international exposition called HemisFair. The tower features a revolving restaurant and observation deck at the top.

Fact 9: If you want to see older waterworks, you might need to head to Europe. San Antonio is home to the Espada Aqueduct, the only functioning water system in the United States from Spanish colonial times. Espada Dam was built between 1731 and 1740, and the aqueduct carries water from the San Antonio River to feed the irrigation system at Mission Espada.

Fact 10: San Antonio abounds with old Spanish missions, but it's also home to the nation's oldest surviving cathedral. San Fernado Cathedral was built between 1731 and 1750 by Spanish settlers from the Canary Islands and is said to contain the remains of Alamo heroes Davy Crockett, William Barrett Travis and James Bowie.

Avg. Temperatures (°F)
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec High: 62° 66° 74° 80° 86° 92° 95° 95° 90° 82° 71° 64° Low: 39° 43° 50° 58° 66° 72° 74° 74° 69° 59° 49° 41°
Population		Natl. Avg.
Total	1,114,130	N/A