National Register Listing

Quadrangle, The

Grayson St., Fort Sam Houston, San Antonio, TX
The Quadrangle has been the symbol and focal point for military operations in Texas and much of the Southwestern United States since l879. The Quadrangle, consisting of the main building (also called the Quadrangle), 8.8 acres of land, and the Clock Tower, have witnessed the planning of military operations which vary from Indian Wars, to the Spanish American War, through World Wars I and II and the Korean War to the Vietnam Conflict.

In the late 1860's several Texas cities were in competition to have a military post located nearby. The City of San Antonio obtained 40 acres in 1870 to present to the military for the establishment of a military post. How-ever, it was not until I876 when construction finally started on the Quadrangle. The six year delay forms an interesting insight into many of that eras more important people. Generals Philip H. Sheridan, Albert Meyers, Meigs, Reynolds, Secretary of War William North Belnap, President Grant and various city and state officials all played a role in the final decision to construct the Quadrangle. During the six year delay between I870 and I876, the location of the Quadrangle had become a personal matter for many of the above people.

On May 31, I876, bids for the construction of a Quartermaster Depot on the new Military Reservation were opened. The contract was awarded to a San Antonio firm, Ed Braden & Company, for the sum of $83,900.00. The south wing of the present Quadrangle and the Water Tower, now a dock Tower, were the buildings involved, and the work was well under way by the end of August 1876.

On 22 December 1879 Brevet General 0. C. Ord took command of the newly constructed Quadrangle. The Quadrangle served as a Quartermaster Depot until World War I.

An imposing landmark on the post is the 87-foot watchtower which doubled as a water tower. It was converted to a clock tower in 1882 and still stands today in the park-like area of the original stone quadrangle. Near the top of the tower is a stone tablet, built into the wall, containing the inscription "In Peace Prepare for War."
Local significance of the district:
Military

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1974.

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.

Texas was once an independent country: After winning its independence from Mexico in 1836, Texas became its own country, known as the Republic of Texas. It existed as an independent nation for nine years before being annexed by the United States in 1845.
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.