Known as Texas’s most romantic and historical city, San Antonio is home of the most famous shrine in the state, the Mission San Antonio de Valero - Better known as the Alamo.

Originally established in 1718, the Alamo was the first of five Spanish missions in San Antonio established to Christianize and educate resident Indians. As the mission grew, the church structure that stands today in midtown was begun about 1755. Its mission role completed, the old buildings were abandoned by 1836 when the site, by then known as the Alamo, became the "Cradle of Texas Liberty." Rebelling against repressions of Mexico’s self-proclaimed dictator, Santa Anna, a band of 189 Texas volunteers defied a Mexican army of thousands for 13 days of siege (February 23 to March 6). The Alamo defenders died to the last man, among them such storied names as William Travis, Davy Crockett, and Jim Bowie. Even though the cost to the Mexican forces was dreadful, Santa Anna dispatched an announcement of glorious victory to Mexico. One aide privately noted: "One more such ‘glorious victory,’ and we are finished." Santa Anna and his army were finished at the Battle of San Jacinto near Houston on April 21, 1836, when Sam Houston’s Texas routed the Mexican army and captured "the Napoleon of the West," as Santa Anna called himself.

The Alamo is open Monday through Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 P.M. in the Alamo Plaza.

The creation of the original Spanish missions was Spain’s first step in a colonization of Texas. Original colonists were Spanish Canary Islanders, to whom many Texas families proudly trace their roots. San Antonio remained the chief Spanish, then Mexican stronghold in Texas until the Texas Revolution.

Among many nationalities, German builders and businessmen were prominent settlers in the 19th Century. Today, San Antonio is colorfully accented by many cultural heritages.

What makes San Antonio such a wonderful place to live? The diversity of our city and its many historical, recreational, and entertainment attractions enhance the city’s popularity making it one of the most visited locations for tourists worldwide. Add to this the many other benefits of living in a major metropolitan city having 1.2 million people - Not to mention our booming economy and the myriad of employment opportunities that come with it. San Antonio is one of the fastest growing cities in the United States. But the real reason San Antonio is such a wonderful home? Even with all our growth we’ve managed to keep the atmosphere and personality of a small city. You’ll see...