San Antonio Loan and Trust Building
235 E. Commerce St., San Antonio, TXGeorge W. Brackenridge was one of San Antonio's outstanding businessmen and civic leaders, as well as an early University of Texas benefactor. He was born in Indiana and came to Texas prior to the Civil War. Brackenridge established the first nationally chartered bank in Texas in 1866 (see First National Bank, San Antonio, National Register, March 1972) whose building is adjacent to the San Antonio Loan and Trust Building.
In 1892, Brackenridge organized a trust company in conjunction with the other banks in San Antonio. At that time. Federal government regulations prevented national banks from having trust power. Brackenridge recognized the local need of the cattle barons and other entrepreneurs (the cotton and railroad investors, etc.) to have the service of advice and counsel in matters relating to their estates. The San Antonio Loan and Trust was incorporated under a state charter and occupied another building on Commerce Street until 1903 when the present structure was completed.
Brackenridge headed at the same time, the trust company, the local school board, the city waterworks, and the San Antonio National Bank. He was a director of the San Antonio Express Publishing Company and formed the cotton firm of Brackenridge, Bates, and Company. Brackenridge started in the cotton business after taking over the sale of cotton which his father received in lieu of confederate money, having been a Union sympathizer.
Brackenridge was a regent of the University of Texas from 1886 to 1911, and again from 1917 to 1919. His benefactions to that institution were many, including B Hall on the campus in Austin, a dormitory for the first women medical students in Galveston, and five hundred acres of land in Austin which the University still holds.
The San Antonio Loan and Trust Building, constructed in 1901-1903, was designed by G. Voorhees on property which Brackenridge purchased adjacent to the First National Bank. Upon completion of the trust building, Brackenridge, who was a bachelor, lived with his sister Eleanor in the upper three floors, using one for their quarters, one for servants and the other for a ballroom. At his death in 1920, Brackenridge left a will which confirmed his position as San Antonio's greatest benefactor. The San Antonio Loan and Trust building is now privately owned and is being restored for use as offices and apartments. It retains its splendor as a monument to George W. Brackenridge and his financial genius.
Bibliography
Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1976.
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.
The Texas Rangers, a famous law enforcement agency, were first organized in 1835 to protect settlers from Native American attacks.
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.
Bexar County Timeline
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.