|
San Antonio, Texas
San Antonio, the Alamo, Spanish missions,
River walk and so much more, located in the northern area of south Texas, is
the second biggest city in the great state of Texas and the seventh biggest
of America. The city was originally settled by Native Americans in the
early 1500s, near the river that ran through the area; and they called it
"Yanaguana" or "refreshing waters". It wasn't until the end of the 17th
century, that an exploration party of Spaniards and missionaries came to the
site arriving on June 13, 1691, feast day of St. Anthony of Italy and named
the area after him; hence the settlement and river became San Antonio,
honoring the saint. A presidio or fort was established within 20 years and
a Catholic mission was constructed. Over the years, the city became the
biggest Spanish settlement in Texas, and eventually the Mexican province of
Tejas. When Mexico acquired their independence in 1821, the government
invited English settlers to the area to settle. Antonio Santa Ana voided
the previous agreement and battles ensued between the settlers, both Anglos
and Mexican settlers, against the Mexican armies under Santa Ana. They
persevered and won the land, until that fateful spring of 1836, when Santa
Ana mustered all of his forces, and sent 4000 soldiers against a small band
of Mexican and Anglo settlers totaling 189. After 13 days, the Alamo was
taken and history tells the rest of the story. But we, Americans, will
always "remember the Alamo" and the courageous, heroic acts of those famous
men who died that day. Bill Travis, Jim Bowie, Davy Crockett and Juan
Seguin led those men for thirteen incredible days. Their spirit, their
memory and their great actions shall never be forgotten, as the men and
women of this America, and these United States continue on in the great
traditions of heroism that showed itself that day.
Today, this historical city is home to the wonderful
River walk, a number of walkways that follow along the banks of the San
Antonio River; Tower of the Americas, a 750 observation tower that was built
for the 1968 World's Fair, and restaurant located at the top; SeaWorld, Six
Flags, 4 time NBA champions Spurs and the San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo,
one of the biggest rodeos in the country. Over 2 million people make their
home here, as well as Fort Sam Houston, Lackland Air Force Base, Randolph
Air Force Base and Brooks City-Base. Five Fortune 500 companies are located
here, as well as the South Texas Medical Center.
San Antonio is a
very diversified city, relying on basically 4 areas of income; health care,
government, financial and tourism. Over 20 million people come to the city
each year to enjoy the many beautiful sights, monuments and tourist
attractions. The River Walk wanders through the downtown area, and is lined
with many exciting boutiques, bars, restaurants and shops. The Alamo is the
top attraction, with River Walk being second; and Seaworld being next. The
city is host to numerous conventions each year, sports teams, and museums.
Its education system is spectacular with 31 higher education institutions
located here, with over 100,000 students attending. With an international
airport, mass transit, railroad and major highways, getting around the area
is not a problem, although having your own vehicle to visit many of the
wonderful attractions would make it easier.
While visiting San Antonio,
you can save money by renting a car to see all the sights of this historical
city. It will add more flexibility to your vacation or trip, so you don't
have to worry about the method of getting around. Many people coming to the
city can pick up their rental cars at or near the San Antonio International
Airport, where they have a great selection of new vehicles. Rental car
companies will also be happy to pick you up at or near the airport and help
you choose the best vehicle for your needs. Whatever your needs might be,
whether a compact, mid-size, full-size or luxury car, minivan or SUV, allow
us to assist you when you come to San Antonio.
Dollar Rental Car Specials
Dollar Rental Car - San Antonio International
Airport
 The
Alamo was known as the Mission San Antonio de Valero, and was a Roman
Catholic mission and fort, which have become a museum. Constructed by the
Spanish Empire, in the 18th century, the compound was used for the education
of the local tribes in the area. Just before the end of the century, it was
abandoned and then the Mexican army occupied it using it as a fort. It was
occupied by the army until 1835, when General Martin Perfecto de Cos, Santa
Ana's brother in law, gave it up after a small skirmish with the Texian army
after the siege of Bexar. Texian General Sam Houston, believing it was not
able to be supported, ordered Colonel Jim Bowie to destroy it; but Bowie
chose to keep it going and with the help of Colonel Jim Neill, began to
fortify it. Then Santa Ana arrived and began the Battle of the Alamo, which
ended in a terrible defeat and subsequent loss of all defenders. When the
Texas Revolution was finished, the Mexican army destroyed many walls and
buildings as they left the territory.
Over the next five years, the Alamo was used to
garrison soldiers, both Texian and Mexican, but then abandoned. Then in
1849, after the territory became a state, the US Army began using it as a
depot for storing goods. When Fort Sam Houston was built in 1876, it was
finally abandoned. The Alamo chapel was sold to the state, and the
remaining buildings were rented to a mercantile company. In 1892, the
Daughters of the Republic of Texas were formed and started the process of
saving the Alamo. 1905 brought the DRT to the state legislature to buy the
buildings for preservation and let the Daughters be the custodians of it.
Two leaders, Adina Zavala and Clara Driscoll had different ideas on how to
restore the site and finally it ended up in court. Governor Colquitt took
control and started the restoration and the site was given back to the DRT
in 1912. In 1988 and again in 1994, the state legislature tried to put
control under the Texas Park and Wildlife Department, but the then Governor
George W. Bush promised to veto any bill that took authority away from the
Daughters of the Republic of Texas.
Thrifty Rental
Car Specials
Thrifty Rental Car - San Antonio International Airport
Thrifty Rental Car -
San Antonio
The River Walk in San Antonio is a majestic sight to explore as it parallels
the San Antonio River going through the city. Sitting a level below the
city streets, the walk is home to many fantastic boutiques, shops, bars and
restaurants. Going from the Alamo to the Rivercenter Mall, then on to the
Arneson River Theater, to Hemisfair Park, where the tower is; on to the
Tower Life Building, then to the San Antonio Museum of Art and finally to
the Pearl Brewery, this incredible pedestrian walk way is very unique and
beautiful. Especially during the spring, when the Fiesta San Antonio holds
their river parade with innumerable floats of flowers. |