San Antonio, Texas owes its name to San Antonio de Bexar Presidio, the first Spanish settlement in the area started in 1718.

After the Texas Revolution ended in 1836, San Antonio grew rapidly. During this period, the cattle industry served as an important source of capital, as the ranching community popularized cattle drives. The first railroad later brought a larger influx of settlers in 1877, opening up trade markets to a larger variety of goods and a more diverse population.

The influx of immigrants influenced the creation of the Fiesta San Antonio in 1891 as an event of festivals to rally support for the city. Today, over 100 events combine and provide funds of nearly $300 million for civil services to the city throughout the year.

During the World Wars, a large military presence surfaced in San Antonio and led to the construction of several military bases.

Cultural and historic remnants in the city include the Alamo; the McNay Art Museum and the San Antonio Museum of Art; the Menger Hotel where Teddy Roosevelt recruited men for his Rough Riders; and, the La Villita, one of the earliest Spanish neighborhoods, and later home to French and German pioneers.

Today, San Antonio works to preserve other historic sites, such as the Carver Community Cultural Center, the 1888 Italian Renaissance Revival structure of the City Hall, HemisFair Park, the Tower of Americas, eighteenth century San Fernando Cathedral, the River Walk, and the Spanish Governor's Palace.