Historically and culturally, Texas has close ties to the American South. However, having once been both a Spanish and Mexican possession, it can also be classified as a Southwestern state. |
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Population: 20,851,820 (Ranked 2nd in the US)
History: On December 29, 1845, Texas was admitted to the U.S. as a constituent state of the Union
Austin;(656,562 inhabitants)
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Texas TripDecember 2004SAN ANTONIOSan Antonio is the tenth largest city in the United States. It is also the home of Lackland Air Force Base, which is the gateway for Air Force recruits to take basic training. Most noteworthy, it is a popular tourist destination with the Riverwalk as the city's jewel. A winding wonderland beneath the bridges and streets of downtown San Antonio, bordered with stone paths and lush tropical gardens, the 2.5-mile San Antonio Riverwalk is lined with first-class hotels and restaurants. It is most colorful and festive with music (Flamenco), Mariachi, and boats traveling up and down the river with tourists. At Christmas time it is all decorated with Christmas lights and is beautiful at night. Stroll, walk, jog or take a boat ride, but don't miss this magnificent attraction! The most famous place in Texas is The Alamo, where Mexican General Santa Anna's army defeated David Crockett, Jim Bowie and 188 others in 1836. It is the top tourist attraction in San Antonio, being remembered as a heroic struggle where men made an ultimate sacrifice for freedom. Stop in the historic Buckhorn Saloon & Museum where the spirit of the Wild West lives on. The saloon, built in 1881, is home to a collection of more than 4,000 horns as well as wildlife exhibits, a wax museum, a shooting gallery and an arcade. The King William Historic District, a suburb of San Antonio settled by wetitlehy German merchants, is filled with picturesque mansions and gardens. Visit the elegant Guenther House for lunch; it was built in 1860. We were there in December, and it was very festive. El Mercado is the largest outdoor Mexican market, selling all types of Mexican crafts, including pottery and ceramics, turquoise jewelry, leather goods and colorfully embroidered clothing. There are restaurants, pastry shops, craft galleries, and a museum. San Antonio Missions National Historical ParkVisit the missions at San Antonio Park. The park preserves four Spanish frontier missions dating back to the 18th century, including San Jose, San Juan, Espada, and Concepcion Mission. The missions and the Visitor Center are open daily. Mission San JoséMission San José is the largest of the missions in the area. After gaining a reputation as a major social and cultural center, it came to be called the "Queen of the Missions." It continues to be an active Catholic parish, as are all the missions. |
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