San Antonio
San Antonio lies on the San Antonio River and the narrow San Pedro Creek, on the south-eastern edge of the Texan tableland. It is the centre of a prosperous agricultural area (livestock farming), with important industries (engineering, aircraft servicing for the U.S. Air Force, oil
). San Antonio, originally a Spanish foundation, reflects more clearly than any other Texan city the influence of different cultures on the history of Texas. The western and southern districts in particular have a distinctly Mexican character, but there are traces of a once large German community. All come together in the annual San Antonio Fiesta in April, when celebrations take place in every corner of the city, the strains of Mexican conjunto music blending with the German polka and aroma of enchilada with that of roast potatoes.
History The Spanish military post of Presidio de Bexar and the Franciscan mission of San Antonio de Valero were established here in 1718, and soon afterwards San Antonio de Bexar became capital of the Spanish province of Texas. After the expulsion of the Spaniards (1821-36) the town was under Mexican sovereignty, until Texas broke away from Mexico in 1835. The famous battle of the Alamo was fought in the following year. In April 1836 Texas achieved its independence from Mexico, and until the incorporation of Texas in the United States in 1845 San Antonio belonged to the independent republic of Texas.
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