San Antonio, tourist capital of Texas. And why shouldn’t it be? San Antonio has one of the deepest, richest histories in the Lone Star state. It’s the third largest city in Texas, and for the past decade has been one of the fastest growing areas in the entire United States. The area was originally populated by American Indians until June 13^th, 1691 when a Spanish expedition arrived. June 13^th, as it turned out, was the feast day of Saint Anthony, which is how the city got its name. The city is home to a number of historic sites, below are just a few of them.

The Alamo

photo credit: Stinkie Pinkie

It started as a mission, like the one the swallows fly to in San Juan Capistrano. Today though It is the embodiment of a battle. The Mission San Antonio de Valero, as it was known, was built in the 18^th century for the same purpose of all Spanish Missions, to assist with the education and conversion to Christianity of American Indians. Around 1793, the mission was secularized and abandoned. A decade later, it would become a military fortress for the Mexican army. In December of 1835, the Texians would seize it. The Mexican army’s retaking of the fortress a few months later would come to be known as the Battle of the Alamo in which a number of American legends, such as Davy Crockett, would die defending the fortress despite eminent defeat.

Cathedral of San Fernando

photo credit: eschipul

When it comes to Cathedrals and history in the United States, you would be hard pressed to do better than the Cathedral of San Fernando. Why? One simple reason. This is the oldest cathedral in the United States. The original church at this location was completed in 1750; the cathedral standing today uses the walls of that church to form its sanctuary. The cathedral played a notable role during the Battle of the Alamo as it was from atop this church that the Mexican General Santa Anna flew his “no quarter” flag. Today, an enormous $15 million dollar restoration plan is underway.

Fort Sam Houston

photo credit: army.arch

Named after the first president of the Republic of Texas, “Fort Sam” as it’s colloquially known was built in the 1870′s. Suffice it to say, it is one of the oldest installations still used by the United States Army today. Since the Fort has continues to develop over the past 200+ years, it offers a vivid picture of how building design has evolved within the US military. The oldest structure at Fort Sam is the “Fort Sam Houston Quadrangle”. Geronimo himself was held prisoner here when he was captured by the army. Eisenhower was posted at Fort Sam when the attack on Pearl Harbor occurred. The first home he lived in with his wife is a well known building within the fort.

Spanish Governor’s Palace

photo credit: mhowry

Possibly constructed as early as 1722, the Spanish Governor’s Palace actually isn’t so much a palace as a reasonable house containing 10 rooms and a courtyard. Also, this wasn?t the home of the Spanish Governor; it was the home of the local presidio captain. The building was built at this location to protect the nearby Alamo and the surrounding community. It would also later be used as the capitol building for the Tejas region of Spanish Texas. Today, the building serves as a museum and is a prime example of the Spanish Colonial style of architecture and decoration used at the time.

King William Historic District

photo credit: ChicagoGeek

If you’re looking for old fashioned architecture, this is the place to go. It is the oldest historic district in the state of Texas. Covering an area of 25 blocks, the neighborhood consists of numerous homes built in the late 1800′s by prominent German merchants who had settled in the area. The ?King William? name actually refers to King Wilhelm I, who was King of Prussia at the time. Among the San Antonio natives, the neighborhood came to be known as “Sauerkraut Bend”. Today, the neighborhood is a desirable place to live, as well as a popular walking-tour destination.

Tower of the Americas

photo credit: HeatedGroundPhotography

If you’re a fan of the Seattle Space Needle, then this is the place for you. The tower was built for the 1968 World’s Fair and looms 750 feet over San Antonio. (The Seattle Space Needle is only 605 feet.) The Tower of the Americas was the tallest observation tower in the United States until 1996. At the top of the tower is an observation tower and a restaurant. These days, that restaurant is part of the Chart House chain. The tower is open year round.

Natural Bridge Caverns

photo credit: devilelephant

Since we’re discussing historic sites, at least one of them should be a site of “natural” history. And when it comes to natural history and San Antonio, nothing fits the bill better than the Natural Bridge Caverns. These are the largest known commercial caverns in the entire Lone Star State. The caverns stretch for miles, but equally amazing, these caverns weren?t discovered in modern times until 1960. How old are the caverns? When excavation of the entrance began, arrowheads and spearheads dating back 7000 years were found, and those weren?t the oldest items. The femur and jawbone of a bear that went extinct 8000 years ago were also found. Today, tours are offered year round at this amazing site.

San Antonio is an eclectic city with a history covering multiple eras. The American Indians, Spanish, and early Mexicans have all made their mark on the city’s origin, not to mention the Texians who founded the Republic of Texas. It is also a city steeped with military lore. It goes without doubt, San Antonio will continue to play it’s part in the Lone Star State’s great history for many centuries to come.