International & Great Northern Railroad Passenger Station
a.k.a. Missouri Pacific Station
Medina and Houston Sts., San Antonio, TXSan Antonio emerged as an important cultural and economic center of South Texas after the arrival of the Galveston, Harrisburg, and San Antonio Railroad in 1877. The year 1879 marks the beginning of the extension of the International & Great Northern Railroad from Austin to Laredo, thereby linking the United States with Mexico. At the time of this extension, a station was erected in San Antonio which served the railroad until the present station was built in 1907. The International & Great Northern, although an affiliate of the Texas & Pacific and the Missouri Pacific systems, was operated as an independent line until January 1, 1924, when the company was bought by the New Orleans, Texas, and Mexico Railway, a Missouri Pacific property. All of the affiliate railroads assumed the Missouri Pacific name in the 1930's as a means of alleviating the confusion of the many separate lines.
Harvey L. Page was commissioned in 1906 as the architect for the station at the intersection of Medina and Houston Streets. Construction of the building was begun the same year by James Stewart and Company for the International & Great Northern Railroad. A monumental growth in passenger train traffic at the turn of the century coupled with the economic growth of the railroad industry resulted in the necessity for a facility that would both serve the public as well as reflect a prosperous image. The station was one of the transportation centers for the city until the end of World War II when passenger train activity began to decline. By 1965 only one train both North and South used the station on a daily basis. This once luxurious train, the "Texas Eagle", connecting St. Louis with Laredo was reduced to "Coach Only" status beginning January 1, 1968, with the removal of all Pullman Company-owned cars from United States railroads.
Another event that marked the decline of passenger train activity at the station was the removal of the platform canopies in the late 1960's. The facility was closed in September 1970 when the last "Texas Eagle" left the station. Maintenance of the facility ceased many years previous to the discontinuance of passenger service as is reflected in the advanced state of decay.
Dr. Max Morales, Jr., purchased the building in 1972 and plans are pending through the Amtrak Improvement Act to adapt the facility for inter-modal transportation activity. Amtrak service from St. Louis to Laredo uses the platform on the West side of the station, but tickets must be purchased from the Southern Pacific station fifteen blocks to the East.
Bibliography
Osborne, Pat, Historic Monograph on Missouri Pacific Depot, City of San Antonio, 1975.
Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1975.
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.
The state of Texas was once an independent country known as the Republic of Texas. It gained independence from Mexico in 1836 and was a separate nation until it was annexed by the United States in 1845.
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.
Bexar County Timeline
This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped 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.