National Register Listing

First National Bank of San Antonio

a.k.a. Old San Antonio National Bank;Brackenridge Bank

213 W. Commerce St., San Antonio, TX

The building was designed in the Saracenic style and is considered the first national bank building in Texas. The building was later taken over by the First National Bank of San Antonio.

The old San Antonio National Bank was the pioneer national bank in Texas. Established by George W. Brackenridge about 1866, the enterprise was immediately successful and became commonly known as "Brackenridge's Bank."

One of San Antonio's outstanding business men and civic leaders, Brackenridge came to Texas at the age of twenty in 1853 with his parents. Brackenridge, because of his Union sympathies during the Civil War, was appointed United States Treasury agent in 1863 and after the War, his Union connections were an asset in receiving the first national bank charter in Texas.

After the Civil War, Brackenridge went to San Antonio and started his fortune from the sale of cotton which his father had taken in lieu of Confederate money. He established the cotton firm of Brackenridge, Bates and Company in San Antonio about the same time he established Texas's pioneer national bank.

The bank building at 213 West Commerce Street was construe during the years 1885-86. Contemporary written accounts indicate that no professional architect or contractor was involved in the design or construction. The building's Victorian-romantic design in the Saracenic style was, apparently, conceived by Brackenridge and carried out by him with the help of "day labor".

The year following the erection of the new banking structure the San Antonio National Bank was considered the leading bank of the city with total resources amounting to about a million and a quarter dollars. "George W. Brackenridge, its president, is one of the foremost men of the city, and one of the most enterprising in the state. His investments in railroads, waterworks and other employments have contributed not a little to the advancement of this section " (Morrison, San Antonio, Her Prosperity and Prospects).

San Antonio National Bank building was later taken over by the First National Bank of San Antonio. The First National Bank of San Antonio, a small community banking house, has since relocated and the property is currently for sale. The Bexar County Historic Survey Committee hopes to purchase the bank structure and use the building as a repository for the archives of various city and county groups.

Recorded Texas Historic Landmark - 1971.
Local significance of the building:
Commerce; Architecture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1972.

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
The discovery of oil in 1901 near Beaumont, Texas, sparked an oil boom that transformed the state's economy and led to the rise of the modern petroleum industry.
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.