About San Antonio
San Antonio, located in South Central Texas, West of Houston and South of Austin is the governmental center of Bexar County. The city has a population of 1,327,408 as of the 2010 US Census which makes it the second largest city in Texas and the 7th largest city in the United States. The metro area is home to 2.2 million residents, ranking it 24th in the US and 3rd in Texas.
There is a large military presence in the area with Fort Sam Houston, Lackland Air Force Base, Randolph Air Force Base and Brooks City-Base. The city was once the largest city and capital of the Spanish turned Mexican province of Tejas before being annexed into the United States. The heavy military concentration dates back to its Spanish and Mexican heritage. Unrest occurred in the area from February 23 to March 6, 1836 during the Battle of the Alamo. Texas forces were defeated in an attempt to guard the Alamo and those killed were seen as martyrs for Texas freedom.
San Antonio was seen as a frontier during the 1800′s even after its admission into the United States. Eastern US residents that traveled to the area commented on the diversity of the people and the culture remarking that it appeared foreign and could only be rivaled by New Orleans for its “uniqueness.”
The city was first reached by railroad in 1877, which began a period where San Antonio began to resemble an American city. Mainstream American culture started to become part of the identity of the area and a Western urban center was the result. The city is now home to 5 Fortune 500 Companies as well as ClearChannel Communications.
Tourism is also a large sector of the economy with a reported 25 million annual visitors to the area. San Antonio is home to Sea World, San Antonio Zoo, Six Flags Fiesta Texas, San Antonio Museum of Art, San Antonio Missions National Historical Park, The Alamo and more. Tourists and locals alike can enjoy a day or evening out at the famous Riverwalk area of downtown.
Pro Sports Teams
San Antonio Spurs (NBA)
Nearby Cities & Towns
Martinez, Windcrest, Hollywood Park, Balcones Heights, Grey Forest, Hill Country Village, Live Oak, Converse, Kirby, Schertz, Santa Clara, Marion, McQueeney, New Braunfels, Seguin, Timberwood Park, Somerset, Zorn, Garden Ridge, Alamo Heights, Castle Hills, Leon Valley, China Grove, Lytle, Lackland Air Force Base
