Historical Marker

R.L. White Ranch

Historical marker location:
18744 Bandera Hwy., Helotes, Texas
( on highway approximately in front of Rancho Blanco sign inside fence)
Marker installed: 2012
Marker size: 27" x 42" with post

Ryall Luther White (1878-1962) was born in Jasper, Texas to John Luther Calvin

White and Texanna Priscilla Ryall White. He married his wife, Ethel Gertrude

Smyth, in 1907 and began working for his father-in-law as the manager of the

Uvalde Rock Asphalt Company. In 1920, he resigned to open his own paving

company, the Alamo Paving Company, in San Antonio paving exclusively with rock

asphalt. White bought his own rock asphalt mine to have his own supply of the

material and joined forces with his brother, Tom White. By 1928, Whites Mine

Corporation had developed a new process to manufacture onsite a cold-mix paving

material and the company began to market the product during the Great

Depression.

In 1926, White began to build the ranch which was to become one of the largest

ranches in northwest Bexar county. The ranch reflects Whites desire to impress

his guests with Texas rustic-style architecture on a grand scale. The best

example of this style is the Lake Pavilion. It is a two-story rectangular,

symmetrical stone structure designed in this architectural style.

The building uses the locally available gray and cream-colored limestone to

face the walls, inside and out. The Main House, also called Gerties House

after Whites wife, is a rectangular, single-story, end-gabled stone house also

designed in the rustic style with gray, asphalt shingles. The Red Cottage, a

square, one-story, front end gabled, wood frame house with red-painted siding

and a standing seam metal roof, was built in 1926. It was one of the first

buildings and used to keep horses which were sold to the U.S. Army. Today, the

ranchs 3500 acres and historic buildings reflect the tradition of Texas grand

homesteads.

Recorded Texas Historic Landmark - 2012

As one of the most visible programs of the Texas Historical Commission (THC), historical markers commemorate diverse topics in Texas history, including: the history and architecture of houses, commercial and public buildings, religious congregations, and military sites; events that changed the course of local and state history; and individuals who have made lasting contributions to the state, community organizations, and businesses.

Audiobooks about the history of Texas.
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 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.