Schmap San Antonio Historical Background

Our apologies: your internet browser is not yet fully supported by our Schmap online guides. If you continue, pages in this guide may display or function incorrectly.

Would you like to continue anyway?

Schmap.com supports the following browsers:

Internet Explorer 6 and above
Firefox 1.5 and above
Safari 3 for Pc

MAC

Safari version 1.3 and above
Firefox 2 and above

San Antonio - Historical Background
Download the Schmap San Antonio Guide
With Schmap 2.0 you can:

Browse this Schmap Guide on your PC, online or offline.
View Schmap Guides for 200 worldwide destinations.
Bookmark places of interest, plan trips and take virtual tours.
Custom print your own full-color travel guides.
Publish and share schmapplets with your favorite places
Enjoy many more unique Schmap features.

San Antonio Home
Schmap San Antonio guide and map

What began as a small settlement of missionaries, priests and local Native Americans has swelled into a metropolis of nearly one million citizens of varying ethnicities, cultures and backgrounds.

Native Americans originally occupied this area—many lived along the stream that is now known as the San Antonio River, some as early as 9000 B.C. In the late 17th and early 18th centuries, Spanish settlers migrated north from what is now Mexico to settle along the banks of the stream, claim the area for themselves, and Christianize the peaceful tribes inhabiting the area. As decades passed, the Spanish colonists dominated the area agriculturally, spiritually and culturally. In 1718, Mission San Antonio de Valero was established along the river; the chapel and its grounds would later be known as the Alamo. Over the next few years, the Spanish culture and the Catholic faith would come to play an integral role in the settlement's development.

Independence

In 1821, Mexico won its independence from Spain and held its claim to northern territories, including land that included San Antonio, with the aid of U.S. settlers who had entered the area while it was under Spain's rule. Tension slowly arose between the U.S. settlers and the Mexican government, particularly over the issue of slavery. In 1833, that tension flared into all-out disdain following General Santa Anna's declaration of himself as president. The settlers refused to acknowledge his authority, trounced him in a confrontation, and braced for the backlash. Retribution was harsh. Led by Santa Anna himself, thousands of Mexican soldiers marched into the territory and confronted a ragtag band of only 188 rebellious Texans barricaded within the Alamo. The battle that ensued resulted in the deaths of over 1000 Mexicans and all of the Texan rebels, and numerous myths and legends that are still debated by historians today.

Ultimately, Texas won its independence from Mexico, and San Antonio became a part of the Republic of Texas. An influx of European immigrants followed the Mexican-American War. San Antonio's inherent Tex-Mex style blended with the new European influences to create a vibrant, growing town. However, the city's isolation from the remainder of the state helped preserve its reputation as a rowdy, rebellious town and resulted in the gradual decline in new residents. The reputation diminished only after the arrival of the railroad and the construction of Fort Sam Houston.

Progress and Growth

Progress ensued, the population grew, and the city prospered. Over the following decades the city witnessed the confluence of wealth in neighborhoods like King William, Monte Vista and Alamo Heights. downtown developed into the city's business center with the construction of the Tower Life building and Joske's department store. And, thanks to the brilliance of a local architect and the support of business leaders, the River Walk and all its beauty was created out of a seedy, run-down flood zone running through downtown.

As the city grew, several industries became quite dominant in the economy. Here you will find five U.S. military bases, including one of the Air Force's largest training academies; for years they have influenced the cultural climate and have contributed to the city's growth. The University of Texas Health Science Center, along with several other top medical entities, has made the city a leader in that industry. San Antonio's designation as one of the top tourist destinations has sparked phenomenal growth in the city's tourism and convention business, and has led to the expansion of the convention center downtown. In recent years, telecommunications has come to play a vital role in San Antonio's economy, as Southwestern Bell Telephone continues to relocate large divisions of its business to the city.

Blend of Many Cultures

Culturally, San Antonio continues to be a fascinating blend of many cultures. Festivals, art openings, theater, music, fine dining and dancing reflect the city's influences from Central and South America, Europe, Asia, the Pacific Islands and Africa—San Antonio offers locals and visitors alike magnificent opportunities for discovery.

Copyright 1999-2005 Wcities, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Contact Wcities

Alamo

Historical shrine of Texas' independence

300 Alamo Plaza
San Antonio, TX 78205
United States
+1 210 225 1391
http://www.thealamo.org

Originally the Mission San Antonio del Valero, the Alamo is by far the most famous historical site in Texas, playing a significant role in Texas' quest for independence from Mexico. Under the command of Col. William Travis, 189 Texan soldiers bravely defended this fort for 13 days before finally succumbing to Santa Anna's massive Mexican army in early 1836. The chapel and the Long Barrack are all that remain of the fort. Saved from civilian apathy by the Daughters of the Republic of Texas, the mission is now a museum containing relics from the era. Texans take the Alamo very seriously. Narrated tours are available. Admission is free, but donations are encouraged.

Review © 2007, Wcities

Photo: Elizabeth Thomsen

Photo: Paul Reed

Photo: The Horror

Photo: Nikolas Coukouma

Alamo Heights

San Antonio
United States
One of the original suburbs of San Antonio, the original developers nearly went bankrupt trying to develop this then remote area. Now, Alamo Heights is its own city with its own school district and zip code. "09" as the area is referred to (stemming from the zip code 78209), harbors some of the city's finest dining establishments and upscale shopping opportunities. And with good reason, as a huge portion of the city's wealth resides in this neighborhood. For dinner, locals flock to Paloma Blanca or Cappy's. Beer and pool preside at the Broadway 50/50, and one of the city's best wine lists calls Niles Wine Bar home. For a gift for that special someone, you can't go wrong at Sloan-Hall, Timbuktu, or Sunset Ridge Home and Hardware. At Twin Sisters, pull up a chair and get your daily dose of neighborhood gossip over breakfast or lunch.

Review © 2007, Wcities

Photo: Sean McMains
Photo: Nathan Fischer
Photo: Edward Alfred

Fort Sam Houston Museum

The history of Fort Sam 1210 Stanley Rd
(Building 123)
San Antonio, TX 78234
United States
+1 210 221 1886
http://www.cs.amedd.army.mil/r... For history or military fans, this is a great museum to visit. Focusing on the history of the U.S. Army from its arrival in Texas in 1845 to today, the exhibits are filled with everything from flintlock rifles and old photographs to automatic weapons and uniforms.

War videos play on a continuous loop throughout the day and give visitors a glimpse of what the military has done on our country's behalf. Visitors can also wander among the artillery pieces displayed outside.

Review © 2007, Wcities

King William/Southtown

San Antonio
United States
If San Antonio gets funky, this is where it happens. Once primarily residential and neglected, the area has seen a resurgence of interest and an infusion of capital. Urban professionals are snatching up historical homes and refurbishing them, entrepreneurs are launching hip new businesses, and the locals are taking notice. Wander just a few blocks from downtown and discover Espuma Tea & Coffee Emporium, the City Market and Rosario's. If you can, check out the area during a "First Friday" celebration. Aptly named, this community-wide celebration held the first Friday of each month draws crowds from all over the city for art openings, theater productions, dining and shopping.

Review © 2007, Wcities

Photo: Aaron Ray
Photo: Donna Guerra, SA
Photo: Tony Perrie
Photo: Melanie Haupt
Photo: Damon K Hopkins
Photo: Mark Morga
Photo: Vita Haake
Photo: Martin Medina

Photo: Martin Medina
Photo: Vita Haake
Photo: Patric M DelCioppo
Photo: Tim O'Sullivan
Photo: ©Mark Jamail
Photo: Lauri SmithPanova
Photo: Amanda Wimmer
Photo: jwedberg2430

Photo: N3074E

Monte Vista/Olmos Park

San Antonio
United States
This area neighboring Alamo Heights vacillates between very well-to-do and woe-is-me. Home to some of the most exquisite mansions in the city, at the very least it is worth driving through just to gawk. But then turn the corner and find a once-elegant home standing in disrepair. Improvement is creeping through the area, but slowly. Regardless, you will find some wonderful neighborhood secrets, such as the thick chocolate shakes at Olmos Pharmacy, the city's best breakfast tacos at Panchito's, superb deli take-out at WD Deli and goofy gifts at On Main.

Review © 2007, Wcities

Photo: Maria Kladopoulos
Photo: Erin And Vid Luther
Photo: Jenn Kelley
Photo: Randy Ackerman

River Walk

The Essence of San Antonio 454 Losoya
(runs through downtown)
San Antonio, TX 78205
United States
+1 210 227 4262
http://thesanantonioriverwalk.com When you think of San Antonio, two things automatically come to mind: the Alamo and the River Walk. The River Walk was conceived in 1929. Downtown had serious flood problems, and Robert Hugman suggested that the city turn the San Antonio River into an asset rather than a hindrance. Hugman's brainchild has since become the essence of the city. The city's most popular attraction, it is often crowded and filled with children, party goers, tourists and locals. In the heart of the River Walk is an area filled with restaurants, shops and nightclubs, punctuated by fountains and towering Cypress trees. The River Walk is particularly crazy during Fiesta.

Review © 2007, Wcities

Photo: misericordia
Photo: Lara Moritz
Photo: ippei813
Photo: Gus Dahlberg
Photo: Kevin (Kevbo) Graves
Photo: susannah shepherd
Photo: Amber Bradley
Photo: Chuck & Angie Thier

Photo: Stephen Witherden
Photo: Matt Ewan @gmail.com
Photo: Myra
Photo: Michael Morales
Photo: Jeremy Van Doren
Photo: Kyle Tsui
Photo: Paul Thomas
Photo: Danielle Mirliss

Photo: Bill Rogers
Photo: Magda & Bartek
Photo: Keith Dotson
Photo: Paul Maxim
Photo: Jennifer L. Sovanski
Photo: TheRichardsons
Photo: Deke Keyes
Photo: Amanullah Khan

River Walk/Downtown

San Antonio
United States
The heart of the city's tourism business beats along the River Walk and in the downtown area. Densely packed with hotels of varying price ranges, attractions, restaurants and bars, a visitor could conceivably spend his entire trip in one area of town. The area bustles with activity nearly every night of the week and almost all year long, with locals and tourists alike enjoying mouth-watering cuisine at Boudro's or Paesano's River Walk, singing their hearts out at Howl at the Moon, dancing the night away at Polly Esther's or knocking back a few brews at the Houston Street Alehouse. Not your average tourist trap, the River Walk entices many locals to brave the crowds and enjoy their own city.

Review © 2007, Wcities

Photo: Anton Olsen
Photo: Andrey Volozin
Photo: Blake Facey
Photo: nathanbrown
Photo: k4th3riin3
Photo: Andy Urban
Photo: Ed Tousey
Photo: Atsuko Inagawa Smith

Photo: Ryan Kenward
Photo: Syed Reza Gilani
Photo: Morten Skogly
Photo: notasham
Photo: Jessica Larson
Photo: Clement Law
Photo: Adam Tollinger
Photo: Evelyne Cousin

Photo: Keith Keller
Photo: Leilani Philbrick
Photo: Matt F
Photo: Luke Davison
Photo: Emmy
Photo: Ahmed Subhani
Photo: Matthew Hetzel
Photo: Sourlime

Photo: Deborah Sain
Photo: Derek Hitchcock