Here are some unique facts about San Antonio that you may not know.
America’s Second Oldest Park
San Pedro Park is the oldest park in Texas and the second-oldest in the nation. It officially became a public park in 1852. The San Pedro Park is home to so much history. During the Civil War, the park was used as a prisoner of war camp. Now, the park has over 60 hiking trails, a swimming pool, a skate plaza, the San Pedro Library, and much more.
Oldest Church in Texas
San Fernando Cathedral dates back to 1738 and remains the heart of Catholic religion in San Antonio. Over 5,000 people attend services in just one weekend.
Largest Mexican Market Outside of Mexico
El Mercado’s shopping district is the largest Mexican market in the US. It’s a three-block outdoor plaza filled with a combination of 100 restaurants, shops, handicrafts and fresh produce stands. The shopping district also hosts many Hispanic festivals.
Let's Hear It For Coach Ike
Then Army Lieutenant and now former US President Dwight D. Eisenhower served as the St. Louis College — now St. Mary’s University — head football coach in 1916.
We Have the Dirt
The San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo reuse the same dirt every year. It was purchased from near Charolotte, TX in 1988. If the dirt wasn’t recycled it would cost nearly $25,000 to purchase new dirt every year. The dirt is stored on a back lot on the grounds of the AT&T Center and it is cleaned and refined before it’s used again.
Chruch's Chicken
This famous fried chicken fast food place started in 1952 as Church’s Fried Chicken To Go in San Antonio, right across the street from the Alamo. It’s now the fourth largest chicken restaurant in the country behind KFC, Chick-fil-A and Popeyes Chicken.
Alamo Ghosts
Remember the Alamo? The ghosts of the Alamo will make sure you do. Home to the Battle of the Alamo with hundreds of causalities, the Texas landmark is considered one of San Antonio’s most haunted locations. Visitors and personnel have reported sightings of soldier apparitions and rally cries echoing across the limestone walls. Groups of more than 20 can schedule after-hour tours for a truly haunting experience
Geronimo
In 1886, the U.S. Army famously held Apache leader Geronimo and 32 other Apache men, women and children prisoners inside the “Quad” for approximately six weeks. The Fort Sam Houston Quadrangle “Quad” and Museum are open to visitors Monday-Friday. The Quad’s hours are 8AM-6PM and the Museum is 10AM-4PM.