The Alamo -- symbol either of Texan heroism or Anglo arrogance -- is by no means the only reason to visit San Antonio. A mélange of easily mingling ethnic groups, this is in many ways Texas's most beautiful and atmospheric city. Northwest of San Antonio is the Hill Country, an anomaly in generally flat Texas, rich with pretty landscapes, early American history, and echoes of the linen-to-silk story of Lyndon Baines Johnson, the nation's 36th president.



In general, the most visited city in Texas draws three types of tourists: Texans who come to shop and sightsee; conventioneers; and visitors from northern Mexico, especially during Christmas and Holy Week. Mexicans flock to San Antonio because it offers all the material comforts and advantages of the United States, yet they don't need to speak English to enjoy them. Even on the city's largely Anglo North Side, most concerns transact business in both English and Spanish.

San Antonio Texas History

In 1718, at an Indian village at the southern edge of the Texas Hill Country, Spain established Mission San Antonio de Valero (later called the Alamo). A customary accompanying presidio (fort), San Antonio de Bexar (Bay-her), protected mission endeavors. Today's city and county names derive from those 18th-Century Spanish beginnings that predate founding of the United States by more than half a century. Institutions of higher learning include the University of the Incarnate Word, Our Lady of the Lake Univ., St. Mary's Univ., National Univ. of Mexico, Trinity Univ., San Antonio College, Palo Alto College, St. Philip's College, Univ. of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, and the Univ. of Texas at San Antonio. Some popular events include the the Holiday River Parade and Lighting Ceremony in Dec., the Texas Folklife Festival in Jun., the San Antonio Livestock Show and Rodeo in mid-Feb., the Starving Artists Show held at La Villita and along the River Walk each Easter, and the San Antonio New World Wine and Food Fetsival each fall. Fiesta San Antonio spans 10 days the third and fourth weeks of Apr. This major event includes art exhibitions, coronation of King Antonio, Pilgrimage to the Alamo, concerts, parades, "Night in Old San Antonio" festival and more. For literature and details about city attractions and events, and for a schedule of the San Antonio Streetcars-an inexpensive, fun way to get to many of the city's downtown attractions-see Visitor Information. The Nelson W. Wolff Municipal Baseball Stadium is the home for the San Antonio Missions. The beautiful facility is at Callaghan Rd. and U.S. 90 West. For schedule and ticket information, call 210/675-7275. San Antonio is noted for excellent golf courses with numerous municipal courses throughout the city. The newest are the Palmer Course at La Cantera, La Cantera Golf Course near Six Flags Fiesta Texas and the Quarry Golf Course, 444 E. Basse Rd. For more golfing information, call the San Antonio Convention and Visitors Bureau at 210/207-6748 or 800/447-3372.

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