Region: South Texas Plains
In 1718, at a Native American village along the southern edge of the Texas
Hill Country, Spain established the Mission San Antonio de Valero (later called
the Alamo). A customary accompanying presidio, San Antonio de Bexar (Bay-her),
protected mission endeavors. Today's city and county names are derived from
those 18th-century Spanish beginnings that predate the founding of the United
States.
Institutions of higher learning include the University of the Incarnate Word,
Our Lady of the Lake University, St. Mary's University, National University of
Mexico, Trinity University, San Antonio College, Palo Alto College, St. Philip's
College, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio and the
University of Texas at San Antonio.
Some popular events include the Holiday River Parade and Lighting Ceremony in
December, the Texas Folklife Festival in June, the San Antonio Livestock Show
and Rodeo in mid-February, and the Starving Artists Show held at La Villita and
along the River Walk each Easter. Fiesta San Antonio spans 10 days the third and
fourth weeks of April.
San Antonio is noted for excellent golf courses. For golf information:
210/207-6748, 800/ALAMO-07.