Polish Quarter

In Polish Silesia, hardship imposed by Prussian occupation, long-term military obligation, natural disaster, and poverty created a climate that encouraged emigration. A Silesian Missionary, Reverend Leopold Moczygemba, ministering to Prussian immigrants at Castroville and New Braunfels, wrote letters home praising life on the Texas frontier. From 1854 to 1857, several Silesian immigrant groups traveled to Texas and, specifically, to San Antonio. Some of these immigrants remained in San Antonio while others continued on their journey to Panna Maria, Bandera and St. Hedwig, where they established the first Polish communities in the United States.

From their first arrival in 1854, Polish immigrants transcribed into San Antonio’s narrative, the registration of cattle brands, voting, participation in the census, and the construction of homes, businesses, a church and school. Following the Civil War, St. Michael’s Parish evolved as a church and school which rapidly became the social center of the Polish Quarter. Most residents sought employment in the community trades and contributed to a growing labor source in San Antonio’s economy, particularly in the iron industry at George Holmgreen’s foundry that later emerged as Alamo Iron Works.

In addition to their impact upon the landscape and culture of San Antonio, the Polish Quarter provided an urban link to the surrounding rural Polish communities, mainly through St. Michael’s parish but also as a connection to their ancestral roots. Although an important segment of the original Polish Quarter has disappeared, a few treasures remain that constitute a significant imprint of the Polish community on San Antonio and central Texas.

(2016).