History of San Antonio Texas

San Antonio Texas is one of the largest and most vibrant cities in the state. It is a hub of tourism, commerce, and cultural activity, with its rich history defining the city's character.

Farmer Brown is a full-service insurance company in San Antonio. We were founded on the principle that when you take care of your clients and their families, they'll take care of you. Our customers are our number one priority, and that's why we have experienced customer service agents standing by 24/7 to help you with questions or concerns. We understand that no two families are alike, so we tailor our services to your needs and budget. We also understand the importance of having diverse financing options available. This is why we work with some of the most trusted lenders to provide you with a broader choice than most agencies can offer. If you need the best coverage for your family's needs, give us a call today! 

The Early Years

European explorers first visited San Antonio in the late 1500s. Over the following centuries, Spanish and Mexican settlements grew, eventually encompassing all of what is now the Alamo city. Eventually, the area became known as the San Antonio Missions, which were a vital part of the colonization and development of Texas.

A jumble of cultures, religions and languages emerged; each new wave of immigrants left their mark on the city's architecture. Old Spanish walls remained next to Victorian mansions a block away, a fusion that contributed to the charm of San Antonio and attracted millions of tourists each year.

Historically, the city was a major military centre. During World War I and II, it was a key battleground for American military forces. During the 1950s and 1960s, it played a prominent role in civil rights activism.

Ethnicities & Races

San Antonio is home to a variety of ethnicities and cultural groups, including African Americans, Mexicans, Asians, Hispanics, Germans, Italians, Native Americans and others. The city's ethnic diversity has long shaped its culture, politics, and economic activities.

The Texan Revolution

During the Texas Revolution, San Antonio was the site of many major battles between allied Texans and Mexican forces. In 1813, the republican Gutierrez-Magee expedition defeated Spanish royalist forces at Rosillo and established Texas's first republic under their "Green Flag" banner.

The Civil War

As the American Civil War neared its end, San Antonio remained a strong supporter of the Union. However, the secessionist movement gained strength in the state as more Texans embraced independence from Mexico. The result was a significant reduction in the number of Spanish-speaking Mexicans living in the city and an increase in the number of Anglo-Americans.

By 1900, the city's population was more than two-thirds white. This was due in part to the poll tax passed by the white Democrats, which effectively disenfranchised ethnic minorities and poor whites from voting.

The Populist Party coalesced a multiracial political base. The party also coalesced a large segment of the working class in San Antonio and largely defeated the Republican Party during the 1910s.

In the 19th century, San Antonio's population grew rapidly and its economy prospered. The city became the commercial hub of South Texas, attracting migrants from the American South and Mexico.

Modern-day San Antonio has a population of over 1.3 million people, making it the second most populous city in the state after Dallas. The city is the headquarters of numerous multinational corporations and an important centre for aerospace, healthcare, tourism and transportation sectors.

It is the largest and most diverse metropolitan area in the United States by population size. It is the sixth most populated city in the nation, with a population of 1,144,646 in 2000 and an estimated population of 1,327,407 in 2010.

The city has a large concentration of higher education institutions. The University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) is the city's principal research and teaching institution. It is ranked among the top universities in the country and has several world-class research institutes. Other prestigious academic institutions in San Antonio include the University of Houston and the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston.