San Antonio - More Than the Alamo?

If your first image of San Antonio, Texas is one of sand dunes, desert and cactus waving their pointed fingers at the hot sky, you may be surprised to find out that these popular images are only part of San Antonio's allure. Yes, there is something exciting - especially for those who have never had the pleasure of viewing one – of a native cactus standing in the middle of an empty desert. But say you are here with a family, or perhaps even alone, and don't plan to spend your entire trip staring at Texas' natural beauty. Does San Antonio have more to offer than the famous Alamo that graces every textbook and is a place even the youngest schoolchild can identify?

The Low-Down on the Alamo

Many would probably argue that the Alamo is San Antonio's best tourist attraction, and with good reason. There is something in all of us that can feel the mustiness of an ancient chapel and imagine the indomitable faith of the early Catholic settlers. Here are some facts about the Alamo that you may find entertaining; it is always good to know what you will be seeing before you arrive, because no matter how many informational signs you read and pamphlets you acquire, something will always be missed.

• The Alamo's whole title is "Mission San Antonio de Valero."
• The original religious site was built in 1718 during Spanish colonial days as a center to introduce the local Indians to the Spaniards' Catholic faith. But hardships made it imperative to move it to another location. This site, too, was destroyed, so in the 1720s, the mission known as "San Antonio de Valero" was built and has been at this spot ever since.
• The mission's peaceful existence was shattering in 1803 when it became a barracks for the Second Flying Company; after this date, military was continually associated with this site.
• There is more to see here than just the mission itself; gardens, a gift shop, a film and many fascinating artifacts are part of your Alamo visit.

At some point or another (break out those textbooks!) you may have heard of General Santa Anna. He is the man Alamo enthusiasts consider the "bad guy" in Texas history. A Mexican, Santa Anna longed to reclaim Texas for his own country and wrestle it away from the native Texans who had won their freedom. In February 1836, Texans made their stand at the Alamo (San Antonio de Valero). While Mexico gathered a larger army, Jim Bowie and William Travis were in command of the Texas renegades. On the 6th of March, Mexican forces attacked head-on, setting the Alamo in their sights. Every single one of the men who stood up for Texas met their deaths here, and women and servants who survived would always remember the horrible sight of Mexican domination.