National Register Listing

Elmendorf, Emil, House

509 Burleson St., San Antonio, TX

The house is a good example of the Victorian raised-cottage style, and was designed by Alfred Giles, an important local architect.

The house located at 509 Burleson Street was built for Emil Elmendorf in 1884 in one of the most prestigious residential areas of San Antonio, Dignowity Hill. It is an example of the prosperity experienced by the city during the last quarter of the nineteenth century. It is significant not only for its architectural style, that of a Victorian raised-cottage, but also because it was designed by Alfred Giles, an important local architect known throughout the Southwest. The house is one of only a few remaining raised-cottages in San Antonio. The gently, sloping hill on which the house is situated demanded a particular design and Giles' graceful integration of design with the site is evidence of his remarkable ability to adapt traditional forms to certain situations. Many of the houses Giles has designed are still serving their original purpose. His houses have remained functionally adequate, providing both comfort and convenience. Of historical importance is the fact that the owner, Emil Elmendorf, was a member of one of the oldest and most prominent families in San Antonio and the Southwest. He was one of the owners of Elmendorf and Company, a hardware business, established in San Antonio in 1859, which held the position of the largest firm of its kind in the city.
Local significance of the building:
Commerce; Architecture; Social History

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1980.

The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.

commerce architecture social history houses residential buildings
The cattle industry played a significant role in the development of Texas, with cowboys driving cattle from Texas to railheads in Kansas during the late 1800s and early 1900s.
Texas random facts
Bexar County, Texas, holds a significant place in the history of the Lone Star State. Native American tribes thrived in the region for centuries before the arrival of European explorers. In 1718, the Spanish established the Mission San Antonio de Valero, known as the Alamo, which became a symbol of Texas' fight for independence. The area came under Mexican control after Mexico gained independence from Spain in 1821.

During the Texas Revolution in 1836, the Battle of the Alamo took place, where a small group of Texan defenders valiantly fought against Mexican forces. Although the defenders ultimately lost, their bravery and sacrifice galvanized the Texan cause. Soon after, the Republic of Texas was established, and Bexar County was officially created in 1837, named after San Antonio de Béxar.

Bexar County played a vital role in the westward expansion of the United States. It became part of the United States when Texas joined as the 28th state in 1845. The county saw significant growth with the construction of railroads, the establishment of military bases like Fort Sam Houston, and the influx of European immigrants. In 1968, HemisFair '68 brought international attention to the county, showcasing its rich cultural heritage and attracting visitors from around the world. Today, Bexar County is known for its vibrant tourism industry, robust military presence, renowned healthcare institutions, and prestigious educational establishments.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Bexar County, Texas.

  • Pre-19th Century: The region that would become Bexar County was inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Coahuiltecan and Lipan Apache.

  • 1718: The Spanish established the Mission San Antonio de Valero, known today as the Alamo, in what is now downtown San Antonio. This marked the beginning of Spanish colonization in the area.

  • 1821: Mexico gained independence from Spain, and the region came under Mexican control.

  • 1836: The Battle of the Alamo took place during the Texas Revolution, where a small group of Texan defenders fought against Mexican forces. Though the defenders were ultimately defeated, their resistance became a symbol of Texas independence.

  • 1837: The Republic of Texas officially established Bexar County, naming it after San Antonio de Béxar, the former Spanish name for the area.

  • 1845: Texas joined the United States as the 28th state.

  • 1861-1865: During the American Civil War, Bexar County remained part of the Confederacy.

  • Late 19th-early 20th century: The county saw growth and development with the expansion of railroads, the establishment of military bases like Fort Sam Houston, and the arrival of European immigrants.

  • 1968: HemisFair '68, a world's fair, was held in San Antonio, bringing national and international attention to the city and the county.