Filed under Living on August 22nd, 2008:
Interesting Facts and Trivia About San Antonio
If you’re considering moving into San Antonio apartments or you’re already unpacking your boxes, there are things you need to know about your new home city. Having a little bit of Texas trivia ready to go will help you keep up with your neighbors as they converse, and it’s important to know a little something about your city.
Here are 10 interesting and fun facts about the city of San Antonio that can help you feel more like a “local” for knowing:
1. It’s no tiny town – San Antonio’s population might get swallowed by east and west coast metropolitan areas, but in Texas, it’s nothing to sneeze at. With more than 1.1 million people, San Antonio is considered the state’s third largest city.
2. How it got its name – Of all the little known facts about San Antonio, this is one that few “outsiders” know. The story goes that a Franciscan friar visited this area in the year 1691 on the feast day dedicated to St. Antony’s. The city was subsequently named in the saint’s honor.
3. It’s academic – The city of San Antonio and its general surroundings are home to five major colleges and universities. The region boasts more than 12 institutions of higher learning. The universities here include Trinity, St. Mary’s, the University of Texas at San Antonio and Our Lady of the Lake.
4. It’s got economic draws – There’s more to San Antonio than just historic sites and dusty Texas landscapes. The city is also home to some major industrial residents. Some of the companies found here include USAA, Clarke American, Qwest Communications and the Southwest Research Institute.
5. It has star power – The city of San Antonio has a number of famous natives and former residents. Some of the names that have come out of this Lone Star city include astronaut David R. Scott, Paula Prentiss, Ann Harding, Carol Burnett and Joan Crawford.
6. The sun likes to shine here – On average, there is about a 50 percent chance of sunshine during the winter and a greater than 70 percent chance in the summer months. The climate of San Antonio is comfortably mild throughout the year, with some hot days making an appearence in the summer months.
7. The Alamo is remembered – The Alamo is considered the No. 1 visitor attraction in all of Texas.
8. Fiesta San Antonio is no modern creation – This annual 10 day event that takes over almost all of San Antonio has been a tradition since 1891. Fiesta San Antonio honors the heroes of Texas.
9. The area is home to four major military installations – The San Antonio area is home to Fort Sam Houston, Lakeland Air Force Base, Brooks Air Force Base and Randolph Air Force Base.
10. It draws some major tourist numbers – If the city looks a little more crowded than its 1.1 million plus population should create, there’s good reason. San Antonio receives more than 21 million visitors a year!
There are all sorts of fun facts about San Antonio that you’re sure to uncover as you explore this city. San Antonio is a fascinating place to live, work and play.
May 17th, 2010 at 6:43 pm
gud pict
July 14th, 2010 at 9:30 pm
Great info, only one correction. Brooks Air Force Base is now Brooks City Base, it was turned over to the city a few years ago, however we now have Camp Bullis open again as the Training Base for medical personnel for the military. They train under war like conditons there, you can hear them on the weekends if you live anywhere near the north side.