National Register Listing

Milam Building

115 E. Travis St., San Antonio, TX
?The Milam Building, completed in 1927 and opened in January 1928, was constructed for the Travis Investment Company, a partnership of prominent San Antonio businessmen led by Harry H. Rogers. Named for Texas Revolution hero, Ben Milam, the structure was designed by local architect George Willis who began his career in the studio of Frank Lloyd Wright, and was built by L.T. Wright Construction Company. The concrete, brick and cast stone structure was noted for its modern features, most notably an air conditioning system designed by Willis H. Carrier, founder of the Carrier Engineering Company. The building was completed during a major construction boom in downtown San Antonio that preceded the Great Depression. For a brief time after its completion, the Milam was the city's tallest building. The Milam has housed some of San Antonio's leading business professionals during its history. Most notably, it has been occupied by individuals and firms engaged in oil and gas exploration and production and related fields such as law, real estate and equipment supply. In 2014, the Milam Building remains a prominent address and is occupied by a diverse mix of business professionals. The Milam Building is eligible for the National Register under Criterion A (local level) in the area of Commerce because of its long association with all aspects of the oil and gas industry during the 20th and early 21st centuries. It is also eligible under Criterion C (local level) in the area of Architecture as one of San Antonio's most notable tall structures built during the boom period of the 1920s. It is an important local example of reinforced concrete architecture, as well as an excellent expression of the work of architect George Willis. The period of significance extends from 1927 to 1964.
Local significance of the building:
Commerce; Architecture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 2015.

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
Texas has been a major oil-producing state for over a century. The first big oil discovery in Texas was the Spindletop field near Beaumont in 1901, which set off a massive oil boom that transformed the state's economy and made Texas one of the wealthiest states in the country.
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 condensed summary of the historical journey 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.