Travel

By PHIL HICKS
Staff Writer

SAN ANTONIO - The Alamo City, the site of one of the most famous military sieges of the world as well as the symbol of Texas liberty, is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Texas.

San Antonio has a rich culture that combines the elements of America, Mexico and Germany, among others.

It is a city that has history with the Alamo, beauty with the San Antonio Riverwalk, and adventure with Sea World and Fiesta Texas theme park.

Each year, more than 2.5 million people from around the world visit the famous shrine of Texas Independence, honoring the men for their courage and sacrifice.

The Alamo was founded in 1718 as a Spanish mission for the purpose of Christianizing the Indians indigenous to the area.

There were the famous - William Barret Travis, Jim Bowie and Davy Crockett - who defended the Alamo as well the unknown. There is a plaque in the Alamo that acknowledges the brave men who died that history did not record.

Under the onslaught of Mexican Gen. Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna, Col. Travis, with his sword, drew a line on the ground while describing the hopelessness of their task and said, "those prepared to give their lives in freedom's cause, come over to me."

Every man, but one, crossed the line. Col. Bowie, who was ill, asked for his cot to be carried over.

The Texians, as they were called, held out against the Mexican force of 4,000. It took 13 days before the 189 patriots fell on March 6, 1836.

With cries of "Remember the Alamo," six weeks later, Gen. Sam Houston defeated Santa Anna at San Jacinto as Texas won its independence from Mexico.

The site of Alamo is awe inspiring and there is a sense of pride for Texans and non-Texans alike.

There is no admission charge to the mission, but one can donate to the "Daughters of the Texas Republic," who maintain the Alamo.

There are artifacts from the Alamo's heroes at the site as well as a famous Bowie knife.

Also, a timeline of Texas history is outside the main building.

There is a gift shop inside the grounds and purchases help with the upkeep of the Alamo.

The Alamo is open Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m. (to 7 p.m. during the summer on Friday and Saturday) and 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. on Sunday.

The Alamo is not the only attraction in San Antonio.

The Riverwalk, or Paseo del Rio, is some 1 1/2 miles lined with cafes, restaurants, stores and clubs.

Also, take time for a boat ride on the river to learn the history of this beautiful city. The cost for an adult is $7.75 and you can buy your tickets near the Rivercenter Mall, adjacent to the river.

After you buy your ticket, get in line. The line may look long, but it goes by fairly fast. Then you will be entertained by your captain with history and a bit of humor. If you get a chance, take the ride during the day as well as night.

Near the river is the Tower of Americas, which was built for HemisFair '68, the World's Fair of that year. There is a Landry's Restaurant at the top or you can ride to the observation deck for a view of the city and central Texas.

Of course, there's always great food at every corner, especially Mexican food, as you might guess.

San Antonio has minor league baseball with the San Antonio Missions, as well as first-class sports facilities in the Alamodome and the AT&T Center, where the San Antonio Spurs of the NBA plays.

These are just a few highlights of one of the most intriguing cities in the world.

POPULAR TOURIST STOP: The Alamo remains one of the most visited landmarks in Texas. Inset, there are timelines showing the progress of Texas’ freedom from Mexico
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