San Antonio is a vibrant and modern city, with a unique mix of Mexican, German and Spanish influences that can be seen in its distinctive architecture, music, arts and cuisine. It is the eighth largest city in the United States, with a population of 1,144,646 and 368.6 square miles of area. Located in south-central Texas, 140 miles northwest of the Gulf of Mexico and 150 miles northeast of Laredo, San Antonio has a rich history that dates back to when a Spanish expedition from Mexico established the San Antonio de Valero Mission. The rebellion against Spanish rule took shape in San Antonio a year later, in 1811, with the Casas revolt.
San Antonio grew to become the largest Spanish settlement in Texas; it was designated as the capital of the Spanish, later Mexican, province of Texas. During the Spanish-American War, the First Volunteer Cavalry of the United States mobilized in San Antonio and was supplied by Fort Sam Houston. In 1941, the city purchased 1,200 acres north of the city limits to develop an airport, which later became San Antonio International Airport. The Alamo Mission in San Antonio (The Alamo), located in the center of the city, is one of its main tourist attractions.
It has been called the favorite city of all Texans, and Will Rogers named San Antonio as one of four unique cities in the United States. The natural vegetation of the San Antonio area (where it is not affected by development) includes oak and cedar forests, oak grassland savannas, chaparral thickets, and riverine forests (streams). In particular, the Germans brought cultural traditions in the form of music, arts and architecture to San Antonio. The city opened its own vaulted stadium, the Alamodome, in 1993 with the hope of attracting an NFL franchise.
The San Antonio River Walk is one of the most famous and picturesque walks in the country. Immediately after Mexico's independence, San Antonio served as the political center of the province. Its citizens actively lobbied for U. S. immigration to support regional economic growth and defense against Indians.
As a result of this war, the Army expanded its military presence in San Antonio as the headquarters of Camp Travis (originally called Camp Wilson) for training the 90th Division. Downtown San Antonio and downtown Austin are approximately 80 miles (130 km) apart. San Antonio was already being promoted as a tourist destination and a convenient location for exploring motorists. With so many deaths that occurred during the siege of the Alamo in 1836, it's no wonder that stories of ghosts and hauntings abound. The Quartermaster Warehouse occupied The Alamo from 1849 to early 1850s until land was purchased south of the city in 1859. The United States Army established the San Antonio Arsenal to serve as a warehouse for ammunition and weapons to supply army troops.
As such, it has become an important part of Texas' history and culture.
