National Register Listing

Saint Anthony Hotel

a.k.a. Saint Anthony InterContinental San Antonio

300 Travis St., San Antonio, TX
Considered a decade ahead of its time when it was built in 1909, the St. Anthony Hotel represents San Antonio's early era of modernization and transformation. The hotel played an important role in transforming San Antonio into a modern city of the 20th century. The progressive business element of the city awakened at the tum of the century to the fact that San Antonio should actively pursue plans for future growth in order to compete with rival cities. San Antonio was recognized as a distinctive city because of its rich history, its interesting architecture, and its resort attractions. A group of enterprising men set out to provide the city with the necessary municipal, commercial, office, and hotel developments to compliment its historic and natural features.

Christened in honor of the city's namesake, San Antonio de Padua, the St. Anthony was an indication of the confidence being placed in the city and its future. Hailed by one writer as "...the Waldorf of the Prairie,"! the St. Anthony attracted distinguished visitors from, all over the world—Douglas MacArthur, Will Rogers, Eleanor Roosevelt, Dwight D. Eisenhower, and John Nance Gamer. It rapidly joined the ranks of notable hostelries.
Bibliography
Bexar County Deed Records, Bexar County Courthouse, San Antonio, Texas.

Dielmann, Leo M.J., Collection. Unidentified newspaper article on file with Daughters of the Republic of Texas Library, San Antonio, Texas.
Local significance of the building:
Commerce

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1986.

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 inns, hotels, motels
The first oil well in the United States was drilled in Texas in 1859. The discovery of oil transformed the economy of the state and helped to make Texas one of the wealthiest states in the nation.
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.