San Antonio, Texas, is the seventh largest city in the USA, the second largest in Texas, with a population of about 1.527 million people. But it is not stereotypical of a big city. There is a strong feeling of heritage and a very rich culture here, the result of an interesting, colorful history and a certain mystique just beyond the realm of words. The city is built over an enormous, multi-chambered cavernous lake, referred to as the Edwards Aquifer, and I theorize that its presence beneath us plays a significant role in the quality of our lives here. In early days, another name for San Antonio was San Fernando de Bejar, but colonist from the United States, mistaking the Spanish "j" for an "x", corrupted Bejar into Bexar (pronounced "bear"). We are located in the center of Bexar County, a roughly pentagonal hub to all the surrounding county layouts. Bexar County is the 17th largest county in the U.S. and resides on the border of Texas Hill Country and the thorn brush territory of the Gulf Coastal Plain, seated within a geographic depression resembling a large, flat bottomed bowl, 701 feet above sea level at its lowest point. This geography serves to shield the city from the majority of severe weather occurrences which pass through the immediate region, but it also shields us from much of the general precipitation that the hill country enjoys. At 140 miles inland from the Gulf of Mexico, hurricanes are not a great threat. San Antonio's cost of living is about 8% lower than the national average, but salaries in San Antonio tend to be lower as well.

Originally called Yanaguana by the Papaya Indians, meaning "clear water," or "refreshing waters," the San Antonio River was "discovered" by Spanish explorers and missionaries on June 13, 1691, and was named for the Feast Day of Saint Anthony. The first Spanish Garrison was established in 1718, when Father Antonio Olivares founded the Mission San Antonio de Valero. This became a way station between missions in East Texas and Mexico. In early 1803, La Segunda Compa–’a Volante de San Carlos de Parras (Alamo de Parras), a company of one hundred Spanish Colonial mounted lancers, arrived in Texas to bolster the existing San Antonio garrison. During the following 32 years, they settled and integrated into the community, eventually serving roles in both the Mexican War for Independence and the Texas Revolution. Their legacy was to give their name to the mission San Antonio de Valero, and it is through their association that it came to be known as the Alamo.

As time passed and American immigration increased, resentment of Mexico's rule of the region turned to defiance. On Tuesday, February 23, 1836, the president & dictator of Mexico, Santa Anna, led aprox. 4000 troops in a 13 day siege of the Alamo, going up against a mixed band of 189 defenders. Although these heroes were greatly outnumbered, they inflicted heavy casualties upon Santa Anna's army before finally being defeated on March 6th. Santa Anna was, in turn, routed by Sam Houston's Texan Army at The Battle of San Jacinto on April 21, 1836. This is where the world famous rallying cry of the Texas Revolution "Remember the Alamo!" was born. The Texas Revolution resulted in San Antonio coming under the rule of the newly formed Republic of Texas, and was Incorporated in 1837. The young Republic of Texas was later annexed to the United States in 1845.

Native American Indians have inhabited this region of Texas for thousands of years. In fact, the state's name was derived from the Caddoan Indian word for "friend", but Americans mistook the Spanish "J" for an "X" and corrupted Tejas into Texas. Artifacts indicative of migratory encampments were recently uncovered on the deep southside of town near what became the site of a large Toyota manufacturing plant.
In addition to San Antonio's strong, innate Mexican and Spanish heritage, there are also deep German connections as well, stemming from significant waves of immigration starting in the 1830's. Many were fleeing political and religious persecution. Culture, architecture, and economic development are lasting reflections of this influence, and San Antonio became a major destination for German immigrants, particularly during the 1840s and 1850s. Neighboring German settlements in the nearby Texas Hill Country, such as Fredericksburg, Comfort, Boerne, and New Braunfels are testaments to this expansion. The King William Historic District neighborhood, with its distinctive architecture, is an example of the lasting legacy of German influence on San Antonio
Many cultures have long believed that spirit forces, or guardians, exist around and within bodies of water. Regardless of opinions concerning this idea, there is a particular feeling which accompanies bodies of water, possibly attributable to electromagnetic field variations, or perhaps, ionization effects. Consider the subtle influences of a huge multi-chambered lake beneath a city. I theorize that the Edwards aquifer lends a sense of tranquility to San Antonio, a force which continues to comfort us with its calming effect. Our water is also noted as being some of the best in the country, due to natural limestone filtering. This does result in very hard water, though, but that is good because research has shown that life expectancy is longer for those who consume hard water minerals. It is hard on appliances, however. The world famous San Antonio River Walk, also known as the ŇPaseo del Rio,Ó is a stunning 15-mile urban waterway that weaves through the vibrant heart of San Antonio. The downtown loop of the Paseo del Rio is a 2 1/2 mile stretch of beautifully landscaped waterfront that features many of San Antonio's most spectacular hotels, restaurants, night clubs, bars, shopping centers and businesses. 35 minute barge rides are available in the downtown area.

As in any locale, there are general negatives. For instance the scenic hill country which borders us not only provides a beautiful, quick getaway, but it fills our air with Mountain Cedar (Ashe juniper) pollen during late fall and winter months. This can cause significant allergic reactions, giving some people flu-like symptoms. It is Very hot during the summer months, along with perpetual high humidity during much of the year. We are considered to have a modified subtropical climate. Our rains are much too infrequent,,and we are in a continuous semi-state or outright condition of drought. Fires from Mexico field burning create a transitory haze of smoke during April and May, and heavy pollution from the Tennessee Valley often pollutes our air during summer months. These uncontrollable factors have resulted in EPA economic sanctions (vehicle pollution testing requirements), Regional ozone health alerts are common during the hot months, San Antonio is home to the San Antonio Spurs, NBA world champions of 1999, 2003, 2005, 2007, & 2014. The city covers 467 square miles, has a tax rate sits at 8.25%.and an oppressive property tax imposed by school districts fund themselves. (Especially mismanaged, failing districts such as the one I live in.)

MAP
San Antonio Missions
San Antonio Riverwalk
San Antonio, Texas Guide