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San Antonio

San-Antonio-Travel-Guide-Travel-S-Helper

San Antonio, formally known as the City of San Antonio, is a dynamic and historically significant city situated in the state of Texas. With a population of 2.6 million according to the 2020 U.S. Census, this most populous city in Greater San Antonio ranks as the third-largest metropolitan area in Texas and the 24th-largest in the country. After Houston, it is the second most populous city in Texas; it is the county seat of Bexar County and ranks seventh among all the cities in the United States, second in the Southern United States.

Founded as a Spanish mission and colonial outpost in 1718, San Antonio has roots in that era. Its importance in the history of the area was shown by 1731 when it became the first chartered civil settlement in what is now modern-day Texas. Originally under the Spanish Empire, the territory changed to become the Mexican Republic between 1821 and 1836. Celebrating its 300th anniversary on May 1, 2018, San Antonio is known as the oldest municipality in Texas, evidence of its continuing legacy.

Geographically, San Antonio anchors the southwest corner of an urban megaregion called the Texas Triangle by straddling the regional split between South and Central Texas. With both cities connected by the Interstate 35 corridor, this strategic site puts it about 80 miles (129 km) from Downtown Austin. San Antonio–Austin’s combined metropolitan area, which boasts almost 5 million residents, emphasizes its significance as a big urban center.

The name of the city comes from a 1691 Spanish expedition headed under the Portuguese priest Saint Anthony of Padua, whose feast day falls on June 13. Renowned for its rich cultural legacy, San Antonio features The Alamo and San Antonio Missions National Historical Park among five 18th-century Spanish frontier missions. 2015 saw the collective designation of these historic sites as UNESCO World Heritage sites, so highlighting their worldwide importance.

San Antonio boasts many attractions that draw millions of tourists annually. Popular for both residents and visitors, the famous River Walk is a system of paths beside the San Antonio River. Among other noteworthy sites are the Alamo Bowl, Marriage Island, SeaWorld San Antonio, and Tower of the Americas. Six Flags Fiesta Texas and Morgan’s Wonderland amusement parks offer exciting events for those looking for business entertainment. The San Antonio Convention and Visitors Bureau claims that the city is a hive of activity drawing roughly 32 million visitors a year.

San Antonio, home of the five-time National Basketball Association (NBA) champion San Antonio Spurs, will provide much to excite sports fans. Showing the rich agricultural legacy and cowboy culture of the area, the city also hosts the yearly San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo, among the biggest events of their kind in the country.

With many facilities supporting San Antonio’s economy and community, the U.S. Armed Forces are rather visible in and around the city. Inside the city limits sits Fort Sam Houston, home of the Brooke Army Medical Center. Situated outside the city boundaries, other military bases including Lackland Air Force Base, Randolph Air Force Base, Kelly Air Force Base, Camp Bullis, and Camp Stanley further emphasize San Antonio’s importance as a major military center.

Economically, San Antonio is a powerhouse; it boasts four Fortune 500 companies as well as the only medical research and treatment facility in the South Texas area: the South Texas Medical Center. This varied economic basis helps the city to be generally prosperous and supports a strong employment market.

Being among the biggest majority-Hispanic cities in the country, San Antonio stands out also in terms of cultural variety. With 64% of its population identifying as Hispanic, the city is a vivid tapestry of languages, customs, and cultures enhancing the community and forming its own identity.

San Antonio is a city that skillfully combines modern attractions and economic energy with its rich historical legacy. From its beginnings as a Spanish mission to its present status as a thriving metropolitan area, San Antonio keeps growing as a cultural and commercial powerhouse in Texas and the United States.

US Dollar (USD)

Currency

May 1, 1718

Founded

210 (majority), 830, 726

Area code

1,472,909

Population

504.64 sq mi (1,307.00 km2)

Area

English

Official language

650 feet (198 meters)

Elevation

UTC−6 (CST)

Time zone

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