National Register Listing

Fort Sam Houston

a.k.a. Port of San Antonio

N edge of San Antonio, San Antonio, TX
Since 1879, when it replace the old post of San Antonio as the Army's principal southwestern U.S. supply base, Fort San Houston has been the focal point of military operations in that geographic region. The post has sustained other area, installations regularly and housed in succession the headquarters of the Department of Texas, Southern Department, 8th Corps area, 4th Army, and 5th Army. Furthermore Fort Sam Houston has played a significant role in numerous specific military operations and innovative activities. The post supplied the Rough Riders when they rendezvoused in San Antonio in 1898, furnished most of the men and material for Gen. John J. Pershing's campaign against Pancho Villa in 1915, and provided training facilities for thousands of troops during World War I. In 1910 Fort Sam Houston acquired the first airplane hanger in the Department of Texas, and during the next few years, Lt. Benny Foulois conducted serial trials there that led to the establishment of the signal Corps' aviation section. In addition post soldier experimented with important new infantry tactics in 1937 and 5 years later carried out the Army's first airborne maneuvers. Today Fort Sam Houston is a vital military installation serving a modern Army, but many of the historic officers quarters, barracks, and other buildings remain in use. Of particular interest is the Quadrangle (1879), the first permanent structure erected on the post. Fort San Houston is an open base and maintains a museum for the public.
Local significance of the district:
Military

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.

Audiobooks about the history of Texas.
What is the Fort Sam Houston location?
Fort Sam Houston is located in San Antonio, Texas, United States. It is a U.S. Army post and part of Joint Base San Antonio.
Who gets stationed at Fort Sam Houston?
Fort Sam Houston is primarily associated with the U.S. Army and is a major hub for training military medical personnel. The base is home to various medical training institutions, including the U.S. Army Medical Command (MEDCOM) and the U.S. Army Medical Center of Excellence. Therefore, individuals who are part of the U.S. Army Medical Department (AMEDD) and those undergoing medical training in the military are likely to be stationed at Fort Sam Houston.
Texas is home to the world's largest bat colony. The Bracken Bat Cave, near San Antonio, is home to millions of Mexican free-tailed bats.
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 concise overview of the key events in 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.