Building relationships with each transaction.

Home     Buy a Home     Sell Your Home     Rentals     Relocation     Investors     Schools     Services     About SA     Newsletters     San Antonio MLS      

The City in Brief

Founded:               1718 (incorporated 1809)


City Population:     2003 estimate: 1,214,725

U.S. rank in 2000: 13th (State rank: 3rd)

Area:                      407.6 square miles (2000)

Elevation:               Approximately 701 feet above sea level

Average Annual Temperature:    68.6° F

Average Annual Precipitation:    27.9 inches

Per Capita Income: $17,487 (2000)

Major Colleges and Universities: University of Texas at San Antonio, St. Mary's University, San Antonio College

Daily Newspaper: Express-News

 


The Alamo City's Early History

On June 13 in 1691, a day devoted to Saint Anthony of Padua on the Roman Catholic calendar, a Spanish official exploring the region christened the river San Antonio. In 1709 a second party of Spaniards encountered the river while searching for a site for a new mission and returned to the area in 1718 to found Mission San Antonio de Valero and Villa de Bexar, the outpost established to govern the Texas province. The mission's nickname became the Alamo; ("alamo" means cottonwood) and writings by settlers of the period note the region's groves of trees, its water supply, and its mild climate reminiscent of their home country.


Six missions in all were founded around San Antonio, with a goal of converting the native population to Roman Catholicism. A presidio, or fort, was established near each mission, with soldiers to protect the missionaries. Mission San Antonio was secularized (removed from Church control) in 1793, and the city was incorporated in 1809.


From 1810 to 1821, San Antonio was the site of several major battles in Mexico's fight for independence from Spain. Anglo-American colonization began with 300 families brought to Texas by Stephen F. Austin, whose father envisioned a settlement with ties to neither Spain nor Mexico. By 1835, the settlers' resentment of Mexico had grown into an armed revolt. Mexico's first attempt to quell the rebellion was defeated. In revenge, Mexican dictator Antonio Löpez de Santa Anna brought an army of 5,000 men to attack San Antonio's defenders, a force of fewer than 200 Texans fighting from inside the fortified Alamo. Among those within its walls who held off Santa Anna's troops for 13 days beginning in February 1836, were frontiersman Davey Crockett, soldier Jim Bowie, and Lieutenant Colonel William Travis, who vowed to neither surrender nor retreat.

Statehood

The "Victory or Death" dedication of the Alamo's defenders inspired other insurgents throughout Texas to take up arms against Mexico. Forty-six days after the Alamo fell, Sam Houston's Texans defeated Santa Anna at San Jacinto, and the Republic of Texas was established. Texas became the twenty-eighth U.S. state. The ensuing period brought an influx of German settlers to San Antonio, which increased the population from about 800 to 8,000 people in 1845. Texas, aligned with the Confederacy in the Civil War, maintained its rough frontier atmosphere until 1877, when the railroad linked the isolated region with the rest of the nation.

The Twentieth Century

World War I solidified San Antonio's position as a military command center; 70,000 troops trained there in 1917 and 1918. San Antonio's Great Flood of 1921 left destruction in its wake, but by 1929 the city's adobe structures were complemented by skyscrapers, the most notable being the Tower Life Building, at one time the tallest office building in the state.


The onset of World War II meant intensive military activity for San Antonio. Lackland Air Force Base, for instance, trained more than one third of the war's air cadets. Expansion of the military complex led to tremendous postwar growth for the city and its environs. The 1968 HemisFair celebration placed an international spotlight on the city, attracting thousands of visitors, including some who decided to make the thriving Sun Belt community their home. By the 1970s the city's population numbered well over 700,000 people, of which more than half were Hispanic. In recent years the city has seen further growth, with the completion of such projects as the expansion of the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center and the completion of the SBC Center, a new home for the Spurs. The Mission Trails project, which will make the area's historic missions more easily accessible, is nearing completion. San Antonio's multifaceted allure currently brings nearly 8 million visitors to the city per year.


Historical Information: San Antonio Conservation Society, 418 Villita Street, San Antonio, TX 78205; telephone (210)224-5711.

 


 
 
 Major Events and Festivals

January 2011

January – April: San Antonio SPURS Season
GO SPURS GO! The four-time World Champions take on their 2011 regular season from January through April in the AT&T Center. Admission.

7-16 Bud Light River Walk Mud Festival
This event is held in January to celebrate the draining of the San Antonio River for maintenance by the San Antonio Downtown Operations Department. This year, the City of San Antonio has scheduled the draining of the River from January 3-11. Civic & Media personalities vie for the title of River Walk Queen & King by competing to see who can raise the most money for the association. The King & Queen act as River Walk ambassadors throughout the year, supporting the mission of the Paseo del Rio Association to promote, protect and preserve the San Antonio River Walk. The celebration features: Mud Pie Ball, Mud Coronation, Mud Parade, and an Arts & Crafts Show. All festival events are free to the public.


8: U.S. Army All-American Bowl
The game showcases the nation's top high school football players. Spot the talent that will be tomorrow's college and NFL superstars. A week of festivities leads up to the big game day.


17: Martin Luther King Jr. March and Rally

Honoring the Civil Rights leader, this is the largest people's march in the country. Other events throughout the city include a rally, art exhibits, workshops and candlelight vigils.

 February 2011

3-20: San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo
Features great entertainment with star-studded country, rock 'n' roll and Latin artists during all 20 PRCA rodeo performances. This spectacular of fun also includes shopping, a carnival and livestock centers. AT&T Center. Admission.


5: Asian Festival at The Institute of Texan Cultures
This event honors Asian cultures and traditions from the Middle East to the Pacific Rim. With a variety of delicious foods (Chinese, Japanese, Thai, Vietnamese, Pakistani, Filipino and Polynesian, just to name a few!) and an array of performances, including martial arts and dance demonstrations.

26: SeaWorld San Antonio Opens for 2011 Season
SeaWorld San Antonio’s combination of unique animal attractions, entertaining shows that combine artistry, emotion and marine animals into amazing performances, the thrill of its state-of-the-art coasters and educational experiences for all ages make this park an exciting place to be! Admission.

 March 2011

All Month: Contemporary Art Month
The month-long celebration of contemporary arts features more than 400 exhibitions and involves more than 50 venues. Events take place in galleries, museums, neighborhoods and studios. Some events have an admission charge.


5:Six Flags Fiesta Texas Opens for 2011 Season
Let the fun begin. Check out themed rides, thrilling roller coasters, attractions and shows for every age, including opportunities to meet the Looney Tunes characters throughout the visually stunning 200-acre park. Admission.


6: Dawn at the Alamo
A pre-dawn commemorative ceremony kicks off an annual weekend to honor the fallen on both sides from the Battle of the Alamo. Alamo Plaza. Free.


5-6: Remember the Alamo Weekend
This event is a dramatization of the events in the final two days (March 5 and 6, 1836) of the 13 day Alamo siege by General Santa Anna's Army of Operations, played out in Alamo Plaza. Free.

11-13: Fiesta Primavera
ushers in the first major block party weekend at Market Square in San Antonio, TX.    Fiesta Primavera is the perfect addition to our Annual Luminaria: Arts Night in San Antonio. Fiesta Primavera is for everyone; the young, and the young-at-heart. Tourist and locals alike will pack the square to check out the completed $4 million renovation of the plaza and to view the colorful luminaria designs, shop, eat, dance, and family fun.


12: Luminaria—Arts Come To Light
All manner of creative endeavors -- art, music, poetry, performance, light shows  --  explode across San Antonio. Luminaria is San Antonio's annual celebration of art and artists. Held in March and overseen by San Antonio's creative leaders, it is free of charge and showcases all art forms in an outdoor setting and inside various venues downtown.


4, 12, 17, 19: St. Patrick's Day Celebrations
Make sure to get a good spot on the River Walk for the St. Patrick's Day River Parade and then head over to the Alamo for solemn ceremonies to honor the fallen heroes. Free. Get Details 


26: Olives Ole, The International Olive Festival of Texas 
Olive and Olive Oil related vendors, exciting food and wine concessions for foodies, cooking demonstrations by chefs and other experts, health and nutrition seminars, olive oil beauty products, presentations on Mediterranean herbs and growing olive trees for pleasure or profit, music entertainment and olive oil presentations. Suitable for all ages 10 & up.


 

 April 2011

1-3: Poteet Strawberry Festival
More than just a celebration of the strawberry, this festival is one of the oldest, most popular events in the state and is recognized as the largest agricultural festival in Texas. Located just south of San Antonio, the Poteet Strawberry festival includes concerts, dancing, rides, gunslingers, rodeo performances and of course lots of strawberries.


7-17: Fiesta San Antonio!
More than 100 unique events satisfy every taste and interest and draw spectators from around the city, nation and world. Since 1891 when the first Fiesta event, the Battle of Flowers, honored the memory of our Texas heroes, Fiesta has expanded the initial commemoration to include the recognition and celebration of San Antonio's rich and diverse cultures. Come celebrate Fiesta San Antonio! More than half of the events are FREE.

14-17: Valero Texas Open
The third oldest tournament on PGA TOUR (orginated and played in San Antonio since in 1922). It has been one of the top-three most charitable PGA tournaments on TOUR for the last several years. 72-hole.


15: Splashtown San Antonio Opens for 2011 Season
Splashtown San Antonio is 20 landscaped acres of cool, clean water excitement just three minutes North of downtown on IH-35 at the Splashtown exit.


30: Schlitterbahn Waterpark Resort Opens for 2011 Season
The original Schlitterbahn, in New Braunfels, just 20 minutes north of San Antonio, wins recognition, year after year, as the world's top waterpark. With over 65 acres of tube rides, water slides and uphill water coasters there is plenty of fun for the whole family.

 May 2011

All Month: S.A. Dance Umbrella Celebrates Dance Month
San Antonio Dance Umbrella will celebrate Dance Month with numerous performances around the city. Some of the highlights of the month long dance celebration include: "The Cloggers' Showcase,” "Dance Around the World,” and "WIP Crème.”


May – August: WNBA - San Antonio Silver Stars
Go Silver Stars Go! San Antonio’s WNBA team will continue to rock the AT&T Center as they kick off their 2011 season. AT&T Center. Admission.


7-8: Cinco de Mayo
Celebrations commemorate the Mexican Army's defeat of the invading French at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862. Events include a festival with music and food at historic Market Square, concerts and other commemorations.


11-15: CULINARIA - A Wine and Culinary Arts Festival
Giving wine and food aficionados one more thing to be thankful for this May, the Festival will showcase the Alamo City's finest restaurants and chefs as well as celebrity guests from Mexico, Miami, Manhattan and all over Texas as it celebrates San Antonio as a premier wine and food destination and an important culinary and cultural gateway to Mexico and Latin America.


13-15: Tejano Conjunto Festival en San Antonio
Features live performances by more than 20 of the best musical groups from traditional Conjunto to progressive Tejano. Rosedale Park. Admission.

15-22: San Antonio Beer Week
The inaugural SABW 2011 is a special week dedicated to celebrating beer and the community that enjoys it!  Events will include a special night at each of the five San Antonio-area breweries, special beer dinners and tastings, walking pub crawls, a bus pub crawl, a pro-am brewing competition for a chance to have your beer entered in the Great American Beer Festival. Numerous special beers and speakers will appear at events throughout the week.

20-21: 12th Annual Soul Food Festival & Gospel on the Plaza
This event kicks off with a gospel choir  and continues with amazing food, arts, crafts, family events and more.


13- August 13: Fiesta Noche Del Rio
A San Antonio tradition, this performance features songs and dances of Mexico, Spain, Argentina and Texas and occurs Friday and Saturday evenings at the River Walk’s historic Arneson River Theatre.

 June 2011

3-5: San Antonio Summer Art & Jazz Festival
One of San Antonio’s best Jazz Festival returns for the 9th season!  The San Antonio Summer Art & Jazz Festival is a free, three-day event featuring an outstanding line-up of local and nationally known jazz artists, an arts & crafts fair, and delicious local foods.

10-12: Texas Folklife Festival
Join in the celebration of all things Texas at the Texas Folklife Festival. Hosted at The Institute of Texan Cultures, this three-day cultural extravaganza brings more than 40 ethnic groups together in one place to showcase their authentic food, traditional music and dance and authentic crafts. Come celebrate your heritage and share in a Texas tradition. The Institute of Texan Cultures is located in HemisFair Park, a short walk from the Alamo and the River Walk.

19: Juneteenth
Observances throughout the city, including a picnic, festival, Freedom Fair, and cultural celebrations honoring the date, June 19, 1865, the day that Texas slaves received word of the Emancipation Proclamation.

 July 2011

4 : Fourth of July Celebration
Enjoy festivals, concerts and fireworks at locations across San Antonio celebrating Independence Day. Some highlights include Freedom Fest at Market Square, an arts and crafts show along the River Walk and extravaganzas at local theme parks. San Antonio Market Square & The San Antonio River Walk.


8 - August 5th : Balcones Heights Jazz Festival
The Balcones Heights Jazz Festival has been captivating South Texas jazz fans for more than 15 years. The free concert series takes place each July and August, on Friday evenings at the spectacular outdoor Amphitheater at Wonderland of the Americas.

 August 2011

20-27: Culinaria: Restaurant Week 2011
Get great deals on amazing meals at San Antonio's top restaurants.

 

TBD: Texas Football Classic
Ten of the top high school football teams in the state compete at this weekend football rumble in the Alamodome. Included schools have played in 12 state championships. Admission.


13: FORD Canoe Challenge
Over 90 canoe teams including local celebrities, city officials, corporate teams and Boy Scouts & Girl Scouts compete in the FORD Canoe Challenge. River Walk.

 September 2011

All Month: FOTOSEPTIEMBRE USA
This annual international photography festival is a unique, eclectic, month-long celebration of the photographic arts. Dozens of exhibits showing traditional photographs, digital images, photography based works, photographic installations, funky camera, and alternative processes, are presented in galleries, museums, art centers and other exhibition spaces throughout San Antonio, the Texas Hill Country and in the festival’s web galleries. Free.


7-8: Taste of the River Walk
Ticket holders enjoy sampling culinary offerings from 20 participating River Walk establishments from 6:00pm until 8:30pm. Then, all party-goers are encouraged to go to to the Post-Party.


9-11, 16: Diez y Seis Events
Marking Mexico's independence from Spain, San Antonio celebrates September 16 with special events all over town including a street parade with floats and marching bands, a gala, Market Square celebrations, festivals, dance presentations and other special activities.


24-25:  Jazz'SAlive
Some of the nation's top jazz entertainers, along with regional and local talent, take over Travis Park and dazzle the crowd with their smooth sounds. Travis Park. Free.
 October 2011

7-8 & 14-15: Oktoberfest San Antonio
Head over to the Beethoven Halle & Garten to celebrate the ultimate German festival! Music, food and dancing plus German specialties like bratwurst, reubens and beer will be available to help put you in the spirit! Suggested donation is $5 at the gate.


7-9: International Accordion Festival 
A three-day festival of music, dancing, food and fun which celebrates the versatility of the accordion and accordion-based international styles of music. La Villita. Free.


14-16: AT&T Championship
The PGA Champions Tour returns to San Antonio for its 24th year. Nestled within 200 acres of majestic oak trees and rolling hills, the Oak Hills Country Club is the perfect setting for this tournament and charity event. Oak Hills Country Club. Admission.

 November 2011

2: El Dia de los Muertos
Translated literally as "the Day of the Dead," this Mexican cultural tradition is a celebration in which the family welcomes back departed loved ones, sharing the joys of life with them as their memories live on. Creative and respectful altars are set up around town at galleries, cultural centers, cemeteries and restaurants to commemorate loved ones who have passed on. Poetry readings, and calavera processions (participants dress as skeletons) are typical events as well. Citywide. Some events have an admission charge.


4-13:  Wurstfest
A unique celebration rich in German culture and full of Texas fun! During this 10-day salute to sausage, you’ll find a variety of entertainment options including a polka contest, games, rides, food and drinks on the Wurstfest Grounds in Landa Park as well as special events throughout New Braunfels and Comal County. New Braunfels at Landa Park. Admission.

5: Diwali San Antonio; Festival of Lights
Diwali is one of the biggest festivals largely celebrated in India and for the second year is being celebrated in the Alamo City. Event starts at 6:00 p.m. Experience this colorful event filled with Indian music, dance, food and a special lighting ceremony as a thousand tea lights are released into the fountains at HemisFair Park.

13: San Antonio Rock ‘N’ Roll Marathon & ½ Marathon
This one of a kind marathon features over 70 bands along the course which passes several historic missions and wraps up at the Alamodome.


November 19 – January 6: Light the Way at the University of Incarnate Word
A million twinkling lights will illuminate the night sky at the University of Incarnate Word to celebrate the holiday season in style.This walking or driving experience has been going on for more than two decades and is truly a San Antonio-style holiday event. Free.

 

25: Ford Holiday River Parade and Lighting Ceremony
The day after Thanksgiving, the switch is pulled to turn on over 122,000 lights that illuminate the River Walk until New Year's Day. Decorated floats wind through the river in one of the country's only nighttime river parades. Admission for all river-level access.

 

 December 2011

3: Mariachi Vargas
Experience the best of mariachi music during the holiday season with the world renowned Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlan. San Antonio's 16th Annual Mariachi Vargas Extravaganza features numerous free and ticketed events November 28-December 5.

2-4: Hecho a Mano/Made by Hand
Fine art exhibit and sale is open to individual artists selling their own original work. In order to maintain a high quality of traditional and contemporary crafts sold every year, Hecho a Mano/Made by Hand is a juried show. Each year an invited panel of jurors selects the participating artists. Sponsored by the Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center.


2-18: Ford Fiesta de las Luminarias
Stroll along the lush banks of the San Antonio River guided by more than 2,500 luminarias. Warmly glowing candles in sand filled bags line the walkways to symbolically mark the "lighting of the way" for the Holy Family. This centuries old tradition begins at dusk Friday, Saturday & Sunday only.


10: Art.i.copia
Locals on the lookout for creative and unusual gifts flock to the Southwest School of Art's annual shopping celebration. The setting -- a centuries-old convent on the banks of the San Antonio River -- will inspire a little holiday serenity.


10: Bazar Sábado
Just in time for the holidays, the best in folk art from Mexico is displayed for enjoyment and acquisition (on a Saturday, of course). San Antonio Museum of Art.


10: Tamales! At Pearl - A Holiday Family Festival
The restored Pearl Brewery, the city's newest culinary star, celebrates all things tamale. Sample dozens of tamales, from traditional to dessert, plus storytellers, dancing, live music and finally, fireworks.


15 &17: 2011 NCAA Division I Women’s Volleyball Championship
The nation’s top four collegiate women’s volleyball teams will be in San Antonio, ready to compete for the 2011 NCAA Division I Women’s Volleyball Championship at the Alamodome.

28: Valero Alamo Bowl
Major college football comes to the Alamodome in San Antonio. It features teams from the Big 12 and Big Ten conferences.


31: Celebrate San Antonio
Ring in the New Year San Antonio style! Enjoy spectacular fireworks, live music on multiple stages, food booths, family activities and more. On S. Alamo between Durango and Market streets; La Villita and HemisFair Park. Free.