The Alamo
In the spring of 1836, about 100 American soldiers defended the old mission, the Alamo, against the well-trained Mexican army led by General Santa Ana. Although they finally succumbed to those forces that greatly out-manned them, Sam Houston who led the Texan Army yelled "Remember the Alamo" to his troops as they defeated Santa Ana and his men at San Jacinto about a month later. Almost three million people visit this historical site every year and roam the beautiful gardens not far from the historic River Walk, which is something that no visitor to San Antonio should miss.
The Alamo
300 Alamo Plaza
San Antonio, Texas 78205
(210) 225-1391
thealamo.org
San Fernando Cathedral
This cathedral dates back to 1731 when fifteen families from the Canary Islands came to what later would be San Antonio at the behest of King Phillip V of Spain and created this parish that was to be the focal point of San Antonio's development. Not far from The Alamo, San Fernando Cathedral is visited by most visitors to the city since it represents the spiritual center of San Antonio. In fact, over 5,000 people attend mass there each week, and almost 1,000 baptisms are performed there as well as hundreds of weddings and funerals.
San Fernando Cathedral
15 Main Plaza, San Antonio, Texas 78205
(210) 227-1297
sfcathedral.org
Spanish Governor's Palace
In the early 1700s, King Philip V of Spain ordered that a presidio be built to dominate the area it held that is now a part of southwestern United States. This Palace was both the office and residence of the head of the presidio. Later, that head served as the Governor of Texas, hence the name of the building. Fast-forward to the mid-1800s when the building turned into a a produce store, saloons, a clothing store and a pawn shop. It has since been restored and it is the only remaining example of how the Spanish aristocracy lived at the time. It's no wonder that National Geographic magazine has said that it is the most beautiful building in San Antonio.
Spanish Governor's Palace
105 Military Plaza
San Antonio, Texas 78205
(210) 224-0601
sanantonio.gov/dtops/SpanGovPal.asp
About The Author
Bill Herrfeldt specializes in finance, sports and the needs of retiring people, and has been published in the national edition of "Erickson Tribune," the "Washington Post" and the "Arizona Republic." He graduated from the University of Louisville.
