A cross between a cowboy town and an oil city, San Antonio is located on the banks of the San Antonio River. An attractive city and perhaps, the most beautiful in Texas. Many important events in the history of Texas were played out here. However, history is not its only attraction - San Antonio offers plenty of opportunity to enjoy the river and to partake of the tremendous cultural heritage of its diverse ethnic communities. It’s diverse population is made up of Anglo-Americans, Germans and Hispanics. The Spanish influence is very strong as they make up 55% of the population of this city.

In 1691, Spanish missionaries set up a small settlement here. However, the early 18th century brought many Anglo-American settlers and San Antonio became a military garrison. In 1836, the Battle of the Alamo was fought here during which the Mexican general Santa Anna laid a 13-day siege at the Alamo and killed 189 Texan volunteers. The general was killed shortly and Texas became an independent republic for 10 years. After the Civil War, San Antonio became a major center for cattle and oil trade and acquired a reputation as 'sin city'. In the 1920s, floods wiped out a major part of the city. However, in the latter part of the 20th century, San Antonio has reinvented itself as a major tourist destination.

For more on country information, see USA.