Scenic Loop - Boerne Stage - Toutant-Beauregard Historic Corridor
Historical marker location:The exceptional and historic rural atmosphere, vistas, waterways, wildlife, and
natural features which are area treasures prompted the 82nd Texas legislature
in 2011 to pass House Bill 1499, bestowing historic designation to the Scenic
Loop, Boerne Stage, and Toutant Beauregard roads which intersect at this
corner. Artifacts, including burned rock middens and stone tools, indicate that
Paleo-Indian tribes lived in the area more than ten thousand years ago. Early
Spanish explorers found Jumano and Coahuiltecan tribes here, but by the late
18th century, Lipan Apache and Comanche tribes controlled the area, which
deterred Spanish, Mexican and Anglo settlement into the mid-19th century.
In 1851, the von Plehwe family from Prussia settled at Leon Springs near the
wagon trail to Fort Mason. This trail was also a leg of the Boerne Stage Road,
which ran from San Antonio to San Diego, California. Historic sites abutting
the route include stagecoach stops, ranch complexes dating from the mid-19th to
early 20th century, homesteads of various cultural groups, and historic
cemeteries. In the 1860s, drovers created the Great Western Cattle Trail next
to the Boerne Stage Road. During the 1920s, the transcontinental Old Spanish
Trail Automobile Highway followed the Boerne Stage Road west from San Antonio.
In the late 1920s, a 46 mile scenic driving loop from downtown San Antonio was
created. New recreational areas and communities such as Scenic Loop Playground
and McNeel Park developed as commuting to San Antonio became easier. About 13
miles of that original scenic driving loop still exist through Helotes, Grey
Forest, and Leon Springs. (2013)
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.
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.