National Register Listing

Fourth Ward School

a.k.a. San Antonio Independant School District Administration Offic

141 Lavaca St., San Antonio, TX

The Administration Building is the oldest school building in San Antonio and the only one left of the original five schools. It was built in 1875 by the City of San Antonio and served as a fire station until 1882. The second floor contained the Fourth Ward School. The entire structure became the Seventh Ward School in 1882. The structure served as the Page School Annex until it was converted to offices in the late 1920's. It continues to serve the same purpose today.

In 1875 the first school system was established in San Antonio and fourteen teachers were assigned to five schools. One of these schools, the Fourth Ward was located at the comer of Lavaca and Matagorda and occupied the second floor of a building constructed by the City while the first floor served as a fire station. This is the only building left of the original five schools and is reflective of the type of architecture used in the schools. The same building is now the Administration Office for the San Antonio Independent School District, the oldest and largest school district in the city, and houses the Superintendent's Office. Located close to the Alamo and within two blocks of the historical King William District, the school served the educational needs of many prominent members of the community.

The first floor of the building constructed by the City of San Antonio in 1875 served as a fire station until 1882 and the second floor contained the Fourth Ward School. The entire structure became the Seventh Ward School in 1882. The structure served as the Page School Annex until it was converted to offices in the late 1920's. It continues to serve the same purpose today.

The first step toward the establishment of a permanent system of free public education was taken on January 4, 1853. The City Council appointed three of its members as a Committee on Education and instructed them to formulate a plan for a system of public schools. That spring primary grade classes were held in two locations with high school classes established later. The first Board of Education was appointed on March 1, 1855 and by 1865 ninety pupils, fifty-five boys and thirty-five girls, were in attendance.

A far-reaching law was passed by the State Legislature in 1873, setting aside one-half of the public domain for the support of schools and authorizing any incorporated city to provide for the gratuitous education of all children of school age within its limits - thus permitting the establishment of independent school districts. In 1875 the five schools, including one for Black children, were placed under the supervision of C. Plagge.

By 1890, the system consisted of ten schools and the Superintendent was J.E. Smith. All of the larger grammar schools were two-story white limestone structures of four classrooms, two down and two upstairs, with an outside stair-way leading from a lower porch to one above. The Administration Building is an excellent example of this type of architecture.

In 1899, the school system was chartered as an independent administrative unit and control was removed from the City Council and placed in the hands of a Board of Trustees, while keeping the same area as the municipality, thus establishing the San Antonio Independent School District.
Local significance of the building:
Education; Architecture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1978.

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.

education architecture
The Battle of San Jacinto fought on April 21, 1836, was the decisive battle of the Texas Revolution, and led to the capture of Santa Anna and the end of the conflict.
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.