<Tr> <Td> </Td> <Td> This article includes a list of references, but its sources remain unclear because it has insufficient inline citations . Please help to improve this article by introducing more precise citations . (January 2010) (Learn how and when to remove this template message) </Td> </Tr> <P> The City of San Antonio is one of the oldest Spanish colonization of the European settlements in Texas and was, for decades, its largest city . Before Spanish colonization, the site was occupied for thousands of years by varying cultures of indigenous peoples . The historic Payaya Indians were likely those who encountered the first Europeans . </P> <P> The "Villa de Bejar" was founded by Spanish explorers on May 5th, 1718, by then Govenor Martin Alarcon, at the headwaters of the San Pedro Creek . The mission San Antonio de Valero was established on the east bank of the creek and a presidio was 3 / 4 of a league downstream . Development of the Spanish colonial city followed . A trading post was also established near the presidio and the town developed as the capital of Tejas, a province of colonial Spain . It was the northernmost settlement associated with the Hispanic culture of the Valley of Mexico . </P> <P> After Mexico achieved independence in 1821, Anglo - American settlers entered the region from the United States . In 1836, Anglo - Americans gained control of Texas in the fighting that gained independence for the Republic of Texas . In 1845 Texas was annexed by the United States of America, and became a state . </P>

Which major city was founded by spanish colonist in 1718