AERC CONVENTION: FEBRUARY 24-25, 2006, SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS, CROWNE PLAZA SAN ANTONIO RIVERWALK HOTEL

Although San Antonio's role in the development of ranching in Texas is often overlooked, and remnants of the Wild West are hidden by monuments to progress, a dedicated visitor can still explore numerous sites throughout the city which recall the days of vaqueros (Mexican cowboys) and ranches, Native Americans, American cowboys and trail drives, Texas honky-tonks and more. Here is a small sampling:

San Antonio Missions National Historical Park. Few people realize the Franciscans brought cattle ranching to Texas as they established the Spanish missions in San Antonio, starting in 1718. Every mission at San Antonio had its own ranch. Cattle became the economic base and the coinage of the missions. The cattle were allowed to roam the range and developed into a sturdy new breed Ñ the Texas Longhorn. The Texas mustang got its name from the meste–o, the Spanish wild horse. (210-534-8833)

Historic Fort Sam Houston. The U.S. Army arrived in San Antonio in 1845, the year the Republic of Texas joined the Union. By 1870, the city had donated land for a permanent Army fort. The post was renamed Fort Sam Houston in 1890, in honor of the Texas Revolutionary War hero, the first president of the Republic of Texas, the first governor of Texas and U.S. Senator. In 1886, the warrior Geronimo and 32 other Apaches were confined in the fortÕs Quadrangle for 40 days. In 1898, the Army outfitted and supplied Teddy Roosevelt's Rough Riders there.

The Fort Sam Houston Museum exhibits, featuring weapons, uniforms, letters, photos and other artifacts, tell the story of the base. (210-221-1886)

University of Texas Institute of Texan Cultures at San Antonio, located at HemisFair Park, opened in 1968 as the State of Texas Pavilion for the World's Fair in San Antonio. The exhibit floor of the Institute examines 27 cultures that have made Texas their home and highlights contributions from each group. (210-458-2300)

Pioneer Hall and the Old Trail Drivers and Texas Ranger Museum. This museum celebrates "Texas mystique" with a unique collection of 19th and 20th century memorabilia, including firearms, saddles, badges, and pictures of the prominent men who used them. Among the displays are memorabilia related to former Texas Ranger Francis A. "Frank" Hamer, who led the search and ambush of outlaws Clyde Barrow and Bonnie Parker in 1933. (210-822-9011)

Buckhorn Saloon & Museum. In 1881, Albert Friedrich opened the first Buckhorn Saloon, which was the perfect place to display his collection of horns. The collection grew and grew as cowboys and trappers began bringing in more horns in exchange for a drink. Today, the Hall of Horns, Feathers and Fins is divided into numerous exhibits and dioramas featuring animals, birds and fish from around the world. (210-247-4000)

Texas honky-tonks. The San Antonio area is home to a number of famous Texas honky-tonks that still come in the evening, as fiddles and steel guitars swing into classics like "Waltz Across Texas" or South Texas favorites by George Strait.Ê(Arkey Blue's Silver Dollar, 830-796-8826; Floore's Country Store, 210-695-8827; Gruene Hall, 830-606-1281; Leon Springs Dance Hall, 210-698-7070)

Cowboy Artists of America Museum. Artists whose works are displayed at the Cowboy Artists of America Museum, located in Kerrville, about 60 miles northwest of San Antonio, are devoted to the pursuit of western images and themes. Workshops and educational programs are offered on the history, art, folklore and music of the West. (830-896-2553)

Texas-sized cowboy boots. As the saying goes, everythingÕs bigger in Texas. These cowboy boots at North Star Mall are no exception. The 40-foot tall boots -- in simulated ostrich skin -- in front of Saks Fifth Avenue are a local landmark. (7400 Pedro Ave., about five minutes from the airport)

For a free San Antonio visitor information packet, call the San Antonio Convention & Visitors Bureau toll-free at 800-ALAMO-07 in the U.S. and Canada. You can visit the visitors bureau, www.SanAntonioVisit.com, and see the city from your own computer.