San Antonio: Alamo City
from WorldWeb.com Travel Guide

The Alamo Photo Courtesy of Tara Schimpf

Home of the Alamo. Fiesta City. The Soul of Texas. Each of these nicknames describes one of San Antonio’s many different features. Perhaps Texas’s most beautiful city, San Antonio is much more than the typical Texas stereotype of grazing cattle and rugged terrain. San Antonio is a geographically and culturally diverse city with a rich frontier history. At one point in time the military presence in San Antonio dominated the economy and the population with four army bases; however, today tourism is a growing industry in San Antonio with more than seven million visitors coming to the "Alamo City" every year. Many of the old buildings around the city are being renovated to accommodate the influx of tourists: an old 1950s bank was recently transformed into a hotel and the former 1902 Southern Pacific Railroad Depot was converted into the thriving Sunset Station entertainment complex. With a large multicultural population, a fiesta-like atmosphere, world-class attractions and plenty of entertainment, San Antonio is unquestionably a first rate visitor destination.

HISTORY

A group of Native Americans known as the Payaya, or Coahuiltecan, lived along the river that now runs through present day San Antonio. In 1691 a group of Spanish explorers and missionaries arrived. The Payaya nation called the river "Yanaguana" meaning refreshing waters, but the Spanish named it the San Antonio River because they discovered it on the feast day of St. Anthony.

Years later, in 1718, Father Antonio Olivares founded the city, at which time he also established the Mission San Antonio de Valero (the mission that later became the Alamo). Shortly after the Mission San Antonio de Valero was founded, a fortress called the San Antonio de Bexar was built nearby to protect it - over the next decade four other missions were also built nearby.

The first civilian settlement in Texas, San Fernando de Bexar, was populated in San Antonio and established by several families sent by Spain from the Spanish Canary Islands in 1731. By the mid 1700s, the area that is now defined as downtown had developed into three defined settlements: a mission complex, a military base to protect the missions and the civilian town, Bexar. As the 18^th century continued, San Antonio’s missions were secularized by order of the Spanish crown in 1793.

In 1821 Mexico won their independence from Spain after years of struggle. But, by 1830 the Mexicans began feeling threatened about the large population of non-Mexicans settling on their land.

1835 is the year that marks Texas’s first battle for independence from Mexico with the Siege of Bexar. The siege that began in December lasted nearly two months before it ended in defeat for Texans when the leader of the Mexican troops, General Perfecto de Cos, signaled a truce.

Just months after the Siege of Bexar was the gruesome, yet legendary Battle of the Alamo. The battle in defense of the Alamo lasted from February 23 through to March 6, 1836. It began when the Mexican General Santa Anna became determined to reclaim the land that was lost in the Siege of Bexar, as well as to enforce the idea that further resistance to Mexico was not only useless, but could be detrimental to future relations. The Mexican troops arrived on February 23 catching Texans by surprise - the defenders, approximately 189 men, including famous figures such as Jim Bowie and Davy Crockett, went to the Alamo to seek refuge. After continuous attacks, the 13-day battle ended when the Mexican troops stormed the fortress on the morning of March 6, killing all 189 defenders.

During the Battle of the Alamo the Texas Declaration of Independence was drawn up overnight, reviewed and signed by members of the convention on March 2, 1836 making Texas an independent republic, free from Mexico. One month later Texas’s freedom was reinforced when Sam Houston led his troops to the Battle of San Jacinto crying "Remember the Alamo."

In 1837 the city was officially named San Antonio and Texas remained a republic until 1845, when it joined the United States. 1877 saw the arrival of the railroad in San Antonio, bringing in large numbers of settlers from overseas, particularly German immigrants, who later had a major influence on the development of a residential district called King William.

Through the 1900s San Antonio began to grow rapidly and evolved into a metropolis. The construction of the River Walk, one of the city’s most loved attractions, continued through the late 1930s and early 1940s. In 1968 San Antonio was the host city for the HemisFair exposition, which brought crowds to the area and its attractions. Since, San Antonio has continued to grow and prosper as a unique city and a popular tourist destination for many Texans and visitors from all over the world.

TRANSPORTATION

San Antonio is highway accessible from virtually everywhere. Four major interstates, five U.S. Highways and five state highways lead directly into the city. San Antonio is widespread - many attractions and most residential communities lie outside the downtown area. A car is very useful and almost necessary to visit the outlying areas; however, in the downtown area it is much better to park your car in a public lot and either walk or take a trolley between attractions. Several car rental agencies are available at the airport and throughout the city.

San Antonio also offers extensive transit services: VIA Metropolitan Transit Service runs 106 bus routes in and around the San Antonio area. In addition to the citywide transit routes, VIA also offers five streetcars that are of particular interest for tourists. The streetcars (also called trolleys), replicas of the original railcars used in the city in 1933, circle the downtown area and stop at most of its major attractions. Taxis are readily accessible throughout the city with 24-hour service.

Greyhound offers direct bus services from San Antonio to key points throughout the nation. Amtrak has two trains that operate in the San Antonio area, "The Sunset Limited" and "The Texas Eagle," that depart from the Southern Pacific Railroad station. "The Sunset Limited" travels from the East Coast of Florida to the West Coast of California. "The Texas Eagle" travels from Chicago, IL down to the southern part of Texas, stopping in major cities along the way. The San Antonio International Airport is 10 miles north of downtown and is served by more than a dozen major airlines. In addition to the numerous taxi services and car rental agencies at the airport, shuttles are also available that depart on a regular basis.

CLIMATE

San Antonio is situated in south-central Texas, with a semi-arid region to the west and a humid area to the east. Overall, the city enjoys a sub-tropical climate, with an annual average of 300 days of sunshine - making it easy to plan outdoor activities and events almost every day of the year. Temperatures in the fall and winter can be cool, with average lows at approximately 41° F (5° C), but these temperatures are typically moderated by warm, southeastern Gulf breezes. Below freezing temperatures are usually experienced less than 20 days each year. Snow is very rare. Summers in San Antonio are hot and muggy, with average temperatures reaching 95° F (35° C). Occasionally, temperatures rise to 100° F (37° C) and above, however extremely high temperatures like this are fairly rare. Summertime is not the ideal time to visit San Antonio when the heat is most intense, however it is the busiest tourism season and many of the attractions offer extended hours during this time.

ATTRACTIONS

The River Walk (Paseo del Rio)

The River Walk, or Paseo del Rio as it is called in Spanish, is considered to be "the heart of San Antonio." The River Walk runs north to south through the middle of downtown - it is bordered by lush foliage and cobblestone pathways that lead to classy riverside restaurants, trendy bars and unique shops. It is also adorned with rock walls that line the banks, as well as numerous footbridges, a waterfall and more than 30 unique pathways that lead down to the river.

	San Antonio Riverboat Photo Courtesy of Tara Schimpf

San Antonio did not acquire this world-renowned attraction without some trial. The history of the River Walk dates back to 1921. In 1921 the river flooded, leaving little but devastation and destruction in its path. There was a great deal of debate over the idea of paving over the river, but due to the efforts of some San Antonio citizens, the river was saved temporarily until a permanent plan was put in place. Years later, Robert H.H. Hugman saved the San Antonio River once and for all and planted the idea of its development. Today Hugman is known as the "Father of the River Walk". He kept this idea alive for ten years, through the depression and years of other delays, until finally in 1941 the River Walk was complete.

Today, along with the many restaurants and shops along the River Walk, visitors can also enjoy a peaceful tour down the San Antonio River with Yanaguana Cruises. Narrated tours are offered everyday, as well as dinner cruises and specialty cruises that are perfect for any occasion. During the Christmas season the trees along the River Walk are strung with thousands of lights that magically reflect on the waters of the San Antonio River. The River Walk, in any season, is unequivocally one of the most beautiful and original attractions in the United States.

Amusement Parks

As the saying goes, "everything’s bigger in Texas," and the size of the amusement parks in San Antonio are no exception to this. Two of San Antonio’s premier attractions include Six Flags Fiesta Texas and SeaWorld San Antonio.

At Six Flags Fiesta Texas visitors will discover 200 acres of rides, attractions and entertainment guaranteed to thrill children of all ages. The park is divided into four primary themes: Mexican Fiesta, German Village, Country and Western, and Vintage Rock ‘n’ Roll. Fiesta Texas is also home to White Water Rapids waterpark and a kiddie park. Some of the park’s most thrilling rides include The Rattler, which is the highest and fastest wooden roller coaster in the world, as well as Joker’s Revenge. Joker’s Revenge is the first roller coaster of its kind in North America – this purple, looping roller coaster has a funhouse entrance that leads to the coaster itself, which lives up to its name with a reverse start.

Killer Whales at SeaWorld San Antonio Photo Courtesy of Tara Schimpf

SeaWorld San Antonio joins with Fiesta Texas as one of the San Antonio area’s main attractions. There is much to see and do at this park, the largest of America’s four SeaWorld locations. As with every SeaWorld, the biggest crowd-pleaser is always Shamu. San Antonio features Shamu Visions at Shamu Stadium, with a two-story video screen that captures all the action both above and below water. Among the many other shows offered in the park is a Whale and Dolphin show, as well as Fools with Tools, which spotlights the quirky talents of sea lions, otters and a walrus. The penguin exhibit and the coral reef aquarium are also fascinating sites to visit. SeaWorld in San Antonio also offers many opportunities to interact with the marine life, including educational programs and audience volunteers during each show. In addition, the park includes a waterpark and many exciting marine-life themed rides.

The Alamo

	The Alamo Monument Photo Courtesy of Tara Schimpf

The Alamo, a State Historic Site, represents more than 300 years of history. However, representing much more than just the history of Texas, the Alamo is an icon that is symbolic of the 189 defenders’ willingness to die for the independence of their country, as well as America’s frontier spirit. Today little is left of the original mission. Only the Long Barrack Museum, the Gift House and the Shrine are still standing. These buildings display exhibits about the battle and the Alamo’s defenders and also offer frequent lectures on Texas history and the Texas Revolution. Also on the property, visitors are welcome to stroll through the convent garden, which features a timeline that outlines the area’s history from the Spanish Missionary Period to the present day. Standing tall just outside the mission is the Alamo Monument, which is dedicated to all the defenders of the Alamo.

Sunset Station Historic Entertainment District

What was originally a 1902 beaux-arts train station, is now a world class, state-of-the-art entertainment facility situated directly in downtown San Antonio. In 1902, as the City of San Antonio was blossoming into an economic center, Sunset Station was built as a depot for the original Sunset Limited train that connected San Francisco, New Orleans and San Antonio. To return the station to its original grandeur, it has since undergone a multi-million dollar revitalization and transformation into the unique shopping, dining and entertainment venue that it is today. Within the Sunset Station Historic Entertainment District visitors will find a variety of dining options including Texas Barbecue and authentic Mexican cuisine. Having been recently voted San Antonio’s best live music venue, the complex also hosts four separate entertainment areas: Sunset Saloon, Lone Star Pavilion, Club Agave and Studio 794.

Sunset Saloon, featuring "down-home" Texas music is considered to be the "Crown Jewel" of Sunset Station – it is extravagantly furnished with stained glass windows, gilded ceilings, a grand staircase and three oak bars.

Lone Star Pavilion is San Antonio’s largest covered amphitheater and Sunset Station’s largest entertainment venue, covering 12,000 feet. A variety of local and national acts are hosted on the Lone Star Pavilion’s stage, as well as many other special events throughout the year. Inquire locally for special events and show times.

Club Agave and Studio 794 are both exciting dance clubs. Club Agave is a tropical theme club that echoes the beat of Latin music and the sounds of Latin salsa, cumbia and merengue dance. Studio 794 features San Antonio’s largest dance floor, as well as numerous interactive games.