On May 1, 1718 the Alamo was founded as a mission named San Antonio de Valero. Days later, San Antonio de Bejar, a presidio, was established to protect the new mission, according to the Texas State Historical Association, in a new publication celebrating San Antonio’s “300 Years of History.” In her 300-year history, the city has endured tremendous loss and great victories, always moving forward to become the great city she is today.