San Antonio Historic Sites

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An image of the book: America's Historic Places

National Geographic Guide to America's Historic Places

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Spanish priests established five missions along the San Antonio River in the early 1700s; among them was Mission San Antonio de Valero, later renamed the Alamo. More than a century later, during the Texas Revolution, the Alamo was the scene of a 13-day stand against the Mexican Army by 189 colonists—including Davy Crockett and Jim Bowie. They lost their lives, but paved the way for Texas independence. After the Civil War, the Chisholm Trail brought wealth to the frontier city. Linked to the rest of the nation by railroad in 1877, the Wild West town softened its image and, in the 20th century, became a favorite tourist destination full of vestiges of its less civilized past. (Visitor Information Center, 317 Alamo Plaza. +1 210 270 8748 or 800 447 3372) CONTINUED

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The Alamo, San Antonio

Photograph © Cheryl Brown/Stock Options

The Alamo (Alamo Plaza. +1 210 225 1391. Donations) Swarmed by visitors and surrounded by souvenir stands, the Cradle of Texas Liberty is not always a quiet, reflective place. But the church, with its cases of weapons and personal items belonging to the Alamo heroes, poignantly recalls the fallen. Also included in the self-guided tour are a number of exhibits, a documentary, and flower-filled gardens that represent only a portion of the original stronghold.

Spanish Governor’s Palace (105 Military Plaza. +1 210 224 0601. Adm. fee) Spanish governors resided in this 1749 dwelling. A self-guided tour of the house, built with materials from Spain and decorated with period furnishings, offers a glimpse of 18th-century Spanish traditions.

Casa Navarro State Historic Site (228 S. Laredo St. +1 210 226 4801. Adm. fee) Texas patriot José Antonio Navarro lived in this adobe-and-limestone residence, which includes a house, a kitchen, and an office.

King William Historic District (King William St. and surrounding area) After Texas won statehood, affluent settlers from Germany flocked to San Antonio, where they built gracious Victorian houses along tree-shaded King William Street. Pick up a walking tour map at the San Antonio Conservation Society (107 King William St. +1 210 224 6163). The only house open to the public is the lavish Second Empire Steves Homestead (509 King William St. +1 210 225 5924. Adm. fee), furnished in period style.

Institute of Texan Cultures (801 S. Bowie St. in HemisFair Park. +1 210 458 2300. Closed Mon.; Adm. fee) From Native Americans to Spanish colonists to Dutch dairy farmers, more than 27 ethnic groups have contributed to the diverse culture of Texas. This popular museum tells their stories with exhibits, interpreters, interactive displays, and a multiscreen presentation.

San Antonio Missions National Historical Park (Visitor Information Center, 317 Alamo Plaza. +1 210 270 8748) Four missions built during the Spanish reign dot the Mission Trail in the south part of town. (The fifth mission—now the Alamo—is not part of the park.) Each compound included a church, residences, and a granary. For the most part only church buildings remain, but the missions still convey a sense of 18th-century life. If time is limited, don’t miss Mission San José (6701 San José Dr. +1 210 932 1001), the largest and most beautiful church, surrounded by barracks, a granary, and Indian quarters. Perched at the edge of town, the small Mission San Francisco de la Espada (10100 Espada Rd. +1 210 627 2021), established in 1731, retains the air of a wilderness outpost.