San Antonio’s diverse historic resources begin with some of the earliest known human occupations in Central Texas.

Beginning with the earliest known habitations in the area, archaeologists divide the cultural history of the region, prior to European contact, into three primary chronological periods:

• Paleoindian Period
• Archaic Period
• Late Prehistoric Period

Beginning in the late 1500s, Europeans sporadically entered South and Central Texas, although they did not settle there until the early 1700s.

Explore the periods of San Antonio’s history from the earliest Spanish exploration through the industrial and modern ages.

• Native American Occupation
• Spanish Exploration & Colonial Era
• Mexican & Texas Republic Periods
• Early Statehood & Antebellum Periods
• Railroad Era & Industrial Development
• Military & Postwar Development
• Recreation & Heritage Tourism