National Register Listing

Spanish Governor's Palace

105 Military Plaza, San Antonio, TX
The Spanish Governor's Palace in San Antonio is an excellent and well-restored example of a large Spanish colonial town-house. It is also the only remaining example in Texas of an aristocratic eighteenth century Spanish residence. The exact date of erection of the building is not known, although the keystone over the main door bears the arms of the Hapsburgs and the date 1749. The building is known to have been used as the comandancia, the headquarters and residence of the captain of the presidio of San Antonio de Bexar which had been built for the protection of the Mission San Antonio de Valero (the Alamo), and who was the ranking representative of the King of Spain in the absence of the Governor. The name "Spanish Governor's Palace" is traditional. Two families in turn had private ownership of the building for 165 years; among them were governors, acting governors, captains of the garrison, and civil alcaldes. The property came into the possession of Luis Antonio Menchaca, captain of the presidio, in 1763, and remained in the possession of his family until 1803. In 1804 the house was purchased by Ignacio Perez, whose heirs retained the title until the City of San Antonio bought it for $55,000 in 1928. In the 1860s the house was used as a school house.Later is housed a second hand clothing store, a restaurant, and a bar. By the time the city has acquired it for the purpose of restoration, the building had been considerably altered. The house was restored in 1929-30 under the direction of Harvey P. Smith, architect. Now open to visitors as a museum, the Spanish Governor's Palace is furnished with Spanish Colonial period pieces.
Recorded Texas Historic Landmark - 1964.
Bibliography
Texas, A Guide to the Lone Star State (American Guide Series) (New York,1959)

Trent E. Sanford.The Architecture of the Old Southwest(N.Y., '50)

Hugh Morrison. Early American Architecture (New York,1952)

James G. VanDerPool."Historical Development of Architecture in the U.S.A.,1632-1912"(N.P.S.Typescript,1966)

Arnold Nicholson.American Houses in History.(New York,1965)

Dorothy K. Bracken and Maurine W. Redway. Early Texas Homes. (Dallas,1956)
Local significance of the building:
Military; Architecture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1970.

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.

military architecture
Audiobooks about the history of Texas.
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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.