Fest-Steves Block

Historical marker location:

115 Plaza de Armas, San Antonio, Texas

( MARKER REPORTED MISSING 5/2011)

Marker installed: 1977

This complex of four Victorian commercial structures faces Plaza de Armas, once the site of a colorful open-air market. German-born Edward Steves, A city alderman and lumber yard owner, erected the first of the 2-story buildings in 1880 on a lot next to the Spanish Governor's Palace. In 1884 Simon Fest built the adjacent Fashion Theatre and by 1888 completed two similar structures. Two of the limestone facades were destroyed in an 1891 fire and rebuilt with more elaborate brick detailing. From 1890 to 1968, Heusinger Hardware occupied part of the property. Recorded Texas Historic Landmark-1977.

markets, mercantiles

In the late 19th century, Texas became known for its cattle drives, in which cowboys would move herds of cattle from Texas to railheads in Kansas and other northern states. The cattle drives were dangerous and difficult work, but they played a key role in the development of the American cattle industry.