National Register Listing

San Antonio Drug Company

432 W. Market St., San Antonio, TX
In 1919, San Antonio Drug Company, the city's oldest wholesale drug business, constructed the building it would occupy until its merger with Southwestern Drug Corporation in 1963. While at its 432 West Market Street location, the company became "the largest independent wholesale drug house in the Southwest. "(1936 city directory) From its founding, the growth of San Antonio Drug was led by some of the city's most prominent business men and paralleled the expansion of markets locally, statewide and in Mexico. During the early 20th century, when other wholesale drug companies in the state and nation were merging, San Antonio Drug remained independent until 1963. The building satisfies Criterion A at the state level in the area of Commerce. The building's association with the drug industry in Texas, and the business' leadership by men instrumental in both the drug business and the general economic growth of San Antonio and Texas contribute to that significance. The building also meets Criterion C at the state level in the area of Architecture as one of the finest and most intact examples of commercial architecture designed in the Chicago style in Texas, and the best example of the style remaining in downtown San Antonio, It is also an early example of reinforced concrete flat slab design which eliminated the need for intermediate beams or joists between columns, and a good example of the commercial architecture of the San Antonio firm of Adams and Adams. The period of significance extends from 1919-1943.
Bibliography
Banham, Reyner. A Concrete Atiantis: U.S. Industrial Building and European Modem Architecture 1900-1925. Cambridge: The MIT Press, 1986.

Blumel, Dr. Joanna. History of the San Antonio Drug Company and Pharmacy in Texas: 1854-1954. Published for the 100th anniversary of San Antonio Drug Company.

Carson, Chris and William McDonald (eds.) A Guide to San Antonio Architecture. San Antonio: San Antonio Chapter of the American Institute of Architects, 1986
Local significance of the building:
Architecture; Commerce

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1994.

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.

architecture commerce
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 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.