Historic San Antonio Sights and Places
San Antonio is history! There are fewer places rich in history like Bexar County and San Antonio Texas. The Alamo is one of the top historical attractions in the United States. The mission trail is a path through San Antonio's origins. Our city was a central location in the fight for independence from Mexico and thus explains our unique Mexican heritage. San Antonio is home to numerous historical markers that detail the hundreds of years of existence and growth. You can see historical places where battles were fought, famous Americans past and present started and lived their lives, or where native Americans occupied the San Antonio landscape. Historical San Antonio is a history lesson in itself.
The historical architecture in San Antonio is preserved by the zoning laws set out by city government and organizations such as the San Antonio Conservation Society. Luckily, our conservation centered mind set has kept San Antonio from becoming a city where our heritage and history have been torn down so that modernization takes its place. The architecture throughout the downtown area has been well preserved and protected by the citizens and government of our great city.
Spanish Missions
The Spanish Missions are a huge part of San Antonio's history. The missions were the "beginnings" of this city and region. The missions are part of the National Parks historic monuments and are a huge draw for tourists and cultural heritage education. We have what is called the "Mission Trail" that leads visitors along a path showing some of San Antonio's earliest settlements.
Legends and Stories
San Antonio is host to many long lived stories and tales. Some places in the city have legends that have come from the earliest settlers as well as tales brought here by immigrants from Mexico and Spain. And because these homes and places have been preserved, the legends and tales that go along with them have been preserved as well.
San Antonio River Blue Hole
The history of San Antonio's famed river begins at the San Antonio Springs. The Blue Hole is the recognized origin of the San Antonio River and is an historical landmark registered with the National Register of Historic Places. The Blue Hole is off the beaten path and is truly an historical place still producing one of our most precious resources, water.
Fort Sam Houston Quadrangle
The Quadrangle is the oldest building at Fort Sam Houston dating back to 1876 when it was built as a supply depot. Today, Fort Sam Houston is the headquarters of the Fifth U.S. Army with the Quadrangle still being is historical centerpiece.