San Antonio City Facts, History, and Population
Get ready for your awesome San Antonio adventure by checking out some great facts about San Antonio. Learn about the history of San Antonio, San Antonio Facts, and more with this article. Learn some awesome fun facts about San Antonio!
History about San Antonio
Founded on May 1, 1718, the vibrant city of San Antonio emerged from its origins as a Coahuiltecan Indian Village. Spanish explorers and missionaries, upon discovering a river on Saint Anthony's Day in 1691, aptly named it the San Antonio River, paving the way for the establishment of the city. The early settlement was initially a Spanish military post known as Misión San Antonio, ultimately gaining its iconic name, the Alamo. San Antonio's history is also deeply rooted in cattle ranching, which, over time, attracted a significant influx of European immigrants, notably from Germany and Czechoslovakia, further enriching the city's cultural tapestry.
San Antonio Size & Location
How big is San Antonio Texas? With a population of 1,144,646, San Antonio is the 8th largest city in the United States. San Antonio is geographically large as well, with 368.6 San Antonio square miles. The city is in South Central Texas, 140 miles northwest of the Gulf of Mexico, and 150 miles northeast of Laredo, which is on the Mexican border.
Popularity
San Antonio, Texas has been ranked by Conde Nast Traveler as the #2 U.S. travel destination, and the #9 worldwide destination. It has been called "every Texan's favorite city," and Will Rogers dubbed San Antonio as "one of four unique cities in America."
Military Presence
San Antonio's roots were largely military, and the city continues to have a large military presence today. Fort Sam Houston acts as the headquarters for the U.S. Army Medical Command as well as the home of the Fifth Army. Air Force Bases include Lackland, Randolph and Brooks. There are about 85,000 military personnel in San Antonio.
Weather
The weather is San Antonio is semitropical, with the most rain and humidity from July through September, and the best weather during fall and spring. Average temperatures in September are 79.4 degrees, and January's averages are around 50 degrees.
Business & Products
San Antonio's major business sectors include hospitality and medical/biotechnology. As for products, the city produces large amounts of beer, petroleum and cattle. With 12 accredited universities and colleges, San Antonio is also known as a college town and center for higher education.
Alamo City Folklore & San Antonio Facts
With so many deaths occurring during the Siege on the Alamo in 1836, it's not surprising that tales of ghosts and hauntings abound. One famous San Antonio ghost is a little blonde-haired boy who appears every year during February. He appears in the left upstairs window above the gift shop, high above the ground with no ledge for a real person to stand on.
River Walk
The San Antonio Paseo del Rio, or River Walk, is one of the country's most famous and picturesque walks. The paths and stairways, made of cobblestone, were built in the 1930s as a federal project during the Depression years. The River Walk features some of the city's best shops, cafes and entertainment.
With this wonderful information you will be able to plan your attractions and activities to fit into your plans. Choose your hotel today and book your San Antonio vacation package for the best deals.
