250th Anniversary of the Founding of San Antonio

Area was first explored and named by Spaniards in 1691. Colonial settlement began here May 1-5, 1718, with founding of Franciscan Missions San Antonio De Valero (later known as "The Alamo"). In Vicinity of the mission was the presidio San Antonio De Bexar, named for one of the great heroes of Spain, the Duc De Bexar, brother of the Viceroy of New Spain. The place was was renamed San Fernando De Bexar, 1731, when it became a municipality- the first in all of Texas. But the name "San Antonio" persisted. Today it is San Antonio in the county of Bexar. In its lifetime it has give allegiance to nine governments, and from 1772 to 1824 it served as the provincial and territorial capitol of Texas. Hemisfair '68- a World's fair held here April 6 to October 6, 1968, on the 250th anniversary of the birth of the city of San Antonio- had as its theme "the confluence of civilzations in the Americans". It orginated as a tribute to the diverse peoples who have occupied the western hemisphere from pre-columbian times: Indians who were the first known inhabitatns; proud spanish conquerors and devout padres; the pioneering american settlers; and the immigrants from many different lands.

250th Anniversary of the Founding of San Antonio is a historical marker in San Antonio, Bexar County, dedicated in 1968. It is one of 239 historical markers documented in Bexar County in the Texas Historical Commission Atlas, among 542 historic sites cataloged across the county.

The site sits at 29.4234, -98.4872 near San Antonio. The nearest cataloged historic site is St. Joseph's Church (historical marker), about under a tenth of a mile away. Others within a short drive include Menger Hotel, Pan American Round Table, and Menger Hotel.

This record corresponds to Texas Historical Commission Atlas #5029004519. Use the map below for its exact position and turn-by-turn directions.