I Left My Heart In San Antonio Quiz

Quiz Answer Key and Fun Facts

1. What would become San Antonio was once a settlement of Native American Indians known as the Payaya. In the late 1600s explorers and missionaries found the settlement and began its more European identity. From what European country were these early visitors?

Answer: Spain

Captain Domingo Teran of Spain recorded his visit there in June of 1691. He described the region as a gentle valley among sharply defined hills. In his journal he wrote, "a fine country with broad plains - the most beautiful in New Spain. We camped near the banks of an arroyo, adorned by a great number of trees, ...

This I called San Antonio de Padua" The quote is taken from "The Acequias of San Antonio" which is the property of Historic American Engineering Record, National Park Service, Department of the Interior.

2. The Native American settlers who lived in the area that would become San Antonio simply referred to it by a name in their native language that meant "refreshing waters". That was a reference to the nearby river. What is the modern day name for that river?

Answer: San Antonio River

The San Antonio River, as have so many rivers, played an important part in the growth, existence and success of the entire area around it. And, as the case for many important rivers its role has been defined as one of beauty, transportation, military advantage and settlement enticement - to mention only a few. For centuries the San Antonio River has continuously provided an important life-line to the economy not only of San Antonio and south-west Texas but that entire region of the U.S.A.

3. Both the town, San Antonio and the San Antonio River are named to honor Saint Anthony or Anthony of Padua. Why Saint Anthony?

Answer: Discovery party arrived to the area on the feast day of Saint Anthony

It is true that a group of (mainly) Spanish explorers selected a Portuguese friar as the namesake for one of their newly-found settlements but it was all about timing. Captain Teran and his party arrived in the area around what would become the San Antonio River and San Antonio on June 13, 1691 - a feast day within the Catholic church commemorating the death (date) of Anthony of Padua.

The name stuck.

4. Spain built many missions in and around San Antonio in an attempt to surpass France in the exploration and colonization to the land in North America that Spain had begun to call "New Spain". But what in this context is a mission?

Answer: Religious outpost

Although the series of establishments that became known as "missions" were seemingly religious in nature - touted as the way to bring the Christian doctrine to the Native Americans - they were just as beneficial as a political stronghold for Spain. Some of these beautiful outposts have survived through the years and are to be seen as a part of the rich history of San Antonio - even into the 21st century.

5. Perhaps the Spanish mission that would become the one best known throughout American history is the Mission San Antonio de Valero - or, The Alamo - site of a battle there in 1836. Spain was not even among the combatants. Who fought at the Battle of The Alamo?

Answer: Mexico and Texas Forces

The Battle of The Alamo was only one pivotal point in the struggle of the Republic of Texas to gain their independence. True, many of the soldiers of the Texas Forces were colonists (or, former colonists) of the (relatively) recently established United States of America, yet it was for Texas' own independence that they fought.

The Mexican government was unwilling to relinquish their claim to the land adjacent to their own country - hence the war. The Texas Forces would suffer a tremendous loss at the Battle of The Alamo but it may have proven to be the impetus that was needed as a rallying blow.

6. The Battle of The Alamo was not the only time war would have a devastating and impressive effect on the city of San Antonio in the nineteenth century. Although Texas had fought for its own independence, in 1845 it was annexed by the U.S.A. This led to what war?

Answer: The Mexican-American War

Texas was admitted to the Union in 1845 as the 28th state after it had celebrated its own independence just nine years earlier - in 1836. Mexico had never recognized Texas as an independent republic. Mexico still claimed much of the land that had been established as Texas as their own.

The Mexican-American War lasted almost two years, until Mexico felt it could no longer defend itself and Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo was signed. Geography, culture and population put San Antonio in a precarious position with the Mexican-American War. By all accounts the war was devastating to San Antonio.

It was time for re-growth.

7. San Antonio began a period of growth (and, re-growth) in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. One industry was particularly profitable for the area. What initially brought life and revenue back to San Antonio and established it as a major frontier city? Images are still ubiquitous in the 21st century.

Answer: Cattle

True, San Antonio was connected via railroads by the late 1800s and Texas, of course, is known for its oil fields and some cotton has been grown in Texas, but it was the cattle industry that boosted the growth in and around San Antonio after the Mexican-American War.

Although images of the dry western plains of Texas may come to mind, but in reality the area in and around San Antonio offers excellent pasturage - due to its proximity to abundant and available rivers. Anglo-Americans (i.e., Texans) had not failed to recognize the Spaniards and the Mexicans were excellent horsemen.

Their techniques of herding cattle on horseback were the roots for a new breed of "cowboys" and San Antonio prospered as a center for cattle markets and trial drives.

8. In the mid to late nineteenth century the growth of the American west often depended not only on getting people to a new area but moving livestock across the country, as well. Trail drives (or, routes) were established to make this a more organized and safe procedure. One trail had its origin in San Antonio. Which one?

Answer: Chisholm Trail

There is some discrepancy as to the actual beginning point of the Chisholm Trail but many historians do give its beginning point as San Antonio. The Chisholm Trail was an important means of moving the cattle from Texas to connecting points for shipping by rail car.

This arduous, dangerous and humble work of the drovers (or, cowboys) was indeed the beginnings of the images folklore has epitomized and aggrandized. But it did bring much needed attention and growth to San Antonio, Texas and south-west U.S.A.

9. San Antonio does have a very rich history and much to offer the visitor in the 21st century. Published information about tourism in Texas has listed The Alamo as the number one tourist attraction for the state. Another place in San Antonio is given the number two attraction as well. What is it?

Answer: The River Walk

The network of walkways and waterways that comprise The River Walk is now a public park. Whether walking the trails or riding the gondola-style vessels along the San Antonio River visitors have access to some of America's most fashionable restaurants, lounges, art galleries, hotels, and more. Leashed dogs are allowed to walk along the River Walk.

The mix of cultures, activities, interests and attitudes is beautifully and pleasantly obvious.

10. San Antonio is not just history and tourism. It has been known to be quite modern and entertaining for its residents, too. Professional sports has been no exception. What NBA (National Basketball Association) team began its play in San Antonio in 1973?

Answer: The San Antonio Spurs

A group of San Antonio businessmen capitalized on the ill-fated position of the struggling (then) ABA team, The Dallas Chaparrals, and brought them to what would become their new "home", the HemisFair Arena in San Antonio. And, changed their name to The Spurs.

The Spurs endured what had been the undoing of the Chaparrals - extremely low fan attendance - but eventually saw "a light at the end of the tunnel". Big changes came in professional basketball and the Spurs were ready. By the end of the 1990s, the Spurs had won their first NBA Championship.

By the end of the first decade of the 2000s, three more NBA Championships would follow, placing the Spurs among the most successful teams of the NBA's history.

Source: Author cowboybluedog

This quiz was reviewed by FunTrivia editor bloomsby before going online.
Any errors found in FunTrivia content are routinely corrected through our feedback system.

Most people know something about The Alamo - probably San Antonio's most famous historical landmark. This quiz will cover the Alamo and other points of interest throughout the extraordinary city's history.

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