San Antonio, Texas Timeline The San Antonio, Texas Timeline covers major moments in the San Antonio's History. For a more detailed look, read the articles in full below, or perform your own search
1718: The mission San Antonio de Valero, known today as the Alamo, is established by Franciscan Father Antonio de San Buenaventura y Olivares on the west bank of the San Antonio River. 1734: The Spanish governor of Texas moves his residence from East Texas to San Antonio, effectively making San Antonio the capitol of Spanish Texas. 1813: In June, the Republican army of the North, led by General Gutierrez de Lara defeats a Spanish Royalist army commanded by Colonel Ygnacio Elizondo. In August, the Republican army, now under the command of General Jose Alvarez de Toledo, is massacred by a Royalist army that included Elizondo as well as a young lieutenant named Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna. 1835: On December 5, the Texas volunteers, led by Ben Milam, and Frank W. Johnson, began the siege of San Antonio de Bexar. The town was being held by Mexican General Perfecto de Cos and an army of 1,200 men. After four days of fighting, the Mexicans signaled for a truce. 1836: The Battle of the Alamo claims the lives of nearly 200 Americans, including Davy Crockett, Jim Bowie and Colonel William Travis. The battle is legendary and becomes the rallying cry for federal troops during the Mexican-American War of the late 1840's. 1845: On December 28, Texas is granted statehood, becoming the 28th state in the Union. 1850: The rebuilding of the Alamo is completed by the US Army. The historic site becomes a warehouse for the federal garrison stationed in San Antonio. 1861: In February, the Texas militia forces the Federal Army to surrender its holdings in San Antonio. The action precedes Texas� secession from the Union by nearly a month. 1877: The Galveston, Harrisburg and San Antonio railway finally reaches San Antonio. The railway, chartered in 1850, was only the second railway west of the Mississippi. 1891: The Galveston, Harrisburg and San Antonio railway finally reaches San Antonio. The railway, chartered in 1850, was only the second railway west of the Mississippi. Read Article (pictured on right) Short Stops San Antonio Daily Light, May 31, 1891 1921: Early in the year, a suggestion is made by city engineers to remove trees from the river banks in order to limit flood risks. The suggestion is met with vehement protest by the citizens of the city. On September 9th, a cloudburst put nine feet of water on Houston Street, resulting in flooding that kills 50 people and causes millions of dollars in property damage. 1927: Dr. C.A. Whittier opens the first diagnostic and in-patient medical center for African Americans in the city. 1928: The Milam Building is opened, it is the largest all concrete structure in America and the first air-conditioned building in the world. 1973: The San Antonio Spurs begin their first season in the ABA. The team had formerly been known as the Dallas Chapparals. The acquisition of "The Iceman" George Gervin propels the Spurs to the ABA playoffs, where they took the Indiana Pacers to a seventh game before losing. 1979: US District Judge John H. Wood is assassinated by Charles Harrelson outside of his home in San Antonio. Wood is the first US federal judge to be assassinated in the 20th century. 1987: Pope John Paul II visits San Antonio, and speaks at the annual conference of Catholic Charities USA. 1999: The San Antonio Spurs win their first NBA Championship carried by the performance of Finals MVP Tim Duncan and "The Admiral" David Robinson.		Newspaper Articles (click to view readable full images) San Antonio Daily Light May 31, 1891