National Register Listing

Southern Pacific Railroad Passenger Station

1174 E. Commerce St., San Antonio, TX
The Southern Pacific Passenger Station in San Antonio is one of the finest examples of the Mission Style as applied to railroad architecture in Texas. The building is significant not only for the excellence of its craftsmanship and detailing, but also for its reflection of the tastes that were popular in the Southwest around the turn of the century. Equally significant is the fact that neither the station nor its out-buildings have been altered since their construction in 1902.

February, 1877, was the date when the Southern Pacific (then the Galveston, Harrisburg, and San Antonio Railroad) was built through San Antonio. It was the first railroad built-through the city, and a station was built at the corner of Austin,and Tenth Streets the same year. This station served-the railroad until the present facility was opened in 1902.

Through service between Los Angeles and New Orleans began February 1, 1883. These trains were the "Atlantic Express" and the "Pacific Express". Luxury service through San Antonio on the Los Angeles-New Orleans route was begun on November 1, 1894. The train was the "Sunset Limited", the "crack flyer" of the Southern Pacific. This was a weekly, bi-weekly, or tri*«weekly operation, depending on the traffic demand. Beginning on April 21, 1902, the schedule was changed so that the train ran only from early December through late April. With the opening of the new station in the Fall of 1902, the schedule was changed to allow the "Sunset Limited" to run on a daily basis. Except for a brief period during World War I, the train continued in daily service until Amtrak assumed the operation on May 1, 1971. Other trains that the Southern Pacific operated through the San Antonio station were the "Argonaut", the "Alamo", and the "Border Limited". New stream-lined diesel powered trains began operation through San Antonio on August 20, 1950.
Bibliography
San Antonio City Records

Bexar County Records

Southern Pacific Railroad Records

Beebe, Lucius. The Central Pacific & The Southern Pacific Railroads.
Local significance of the building:
Transportation; Architecture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1975.

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.

transportation architecture railroads
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.