Scenic San Antonio, Texas

The city began as a mission in 1718 when Spain established Mission San Antonio de Valero (later called the Alamo) at the site of an Indian village on the southern edge of the Texas Hill Country. The Spaniards built an accompanying fort to protect the mission with both structures predating the founding of the United States by more than half a century. The city itself dates back to 1731 with the establishment of a civil settlement, Spain’s first attempt to colonize Texas.

Until the Texas Revolution, San Antonio remained the chief Spanish, then Mexican, stronghold in the territory. Original colonists were Spanish Canary Islanders. In the 19th century, German businessmen and builders were prominent settlers.

Local institutions of higher learning include Incarnate Word College, National University of Mexico, Our Lady of the Lake University, Palo Alto College, St. Mary’s University, St. Phillips College, San Antonio College, Trinity University, University of Texas at San Antonio, and University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio. The city’s art museums and theatres are among the state’s finest, and its symphony orchestra is top-notch. Native San Antonians have a passion for fiestas and many are held throughout the year.

Today, San Antonio is heralded for its rich, multicultural heritage. Conference attendees are urged to explore this multi-faceted city.

The following local sights are recommended:

River Walk

San Antonio’s world famous River Walk (Paseo del Rio) is located one level below the busy streets of downtown. The 2.5-mile cobblestone pathway meanders through midtown along the banks of the San Antonio River. The walkway is outlined by giant cypress trees and edged by hotels, shops, restaurants, cafes, and cabarets.

The Alamo

Established in 1718 as Mission San Antonio de Valero, the Alamo gained its place in history when 189 defenders held the fortress against 4,000 Mexican troops for thirteen days in 1836 at the Battle of the Alamo. The site is currently maintained by the Daughters of The Republic of Texas and includes a theatre, research library, shrine, landscaped grounds, and two museums. The Alamo is open Monday-Saturday 9:00A.M.-5:30 P.M. and Sunday 10:00A.M.-5:30P.M. Library hours are Monday-Saturday 9:00A.M.-5:00P.M. The complex is located at 300 Alamo Plaza. For further information call (210) 225-1391.

King William Historic District

This 25-block area, located on the south bank of the San Antonio River, was zoned as the state’s first historic district. The area was originally settled by prominent German merchants in the 1800s. Stately mansions still grace the neighborhood. The San Antonio Conversation Society offers a self-guided walking tour brochure. The district is outlined by Durango, S. St. Mary’s and Eagleland Streets, the San Antonio River, S. Flores Street and back to Durango Street. Contact the Society at 107 King William Street or telephone (210) 224-6163 or (210) 227-8786.

Botanical Gardens

This botanist’s dream-come-true encompasses 33 acres of formal gardens, fountains, pools, and thematic areas such as South Central Xeriscape, Biblical Garden, Garden for the Blind, Japanese Garden, Endangered Species Garden, and Children’s Garden. All walkways are handicap-accessible. Also reconstructed on the site are several Texas houses to illustrate and interpret regional themes. A popular feature of the complex is the Lucile Halsell Conservatory, a 90,000-square-foot facility of below-ground greenhouses designed to use the earth’s insulation to limit plant exposure to the elements. Only the glass roofs, pyramidal in shape, are visible above ground. The Gardens are open Tuesday-Sunday and holidays 9:00A.M.-6:00P.M. and are located at 555 Funston just north of Fort Sam Houston.