National Register Listing

Yturri-Edmunds House

a.k.a. See Also:Mission Parkway Historic and Archeological District

257 Yellowstone St., San Antonio, TX
Through its associations with Mission Concepción and the Hispanic community in Texas during the 19th century, the Yturri-Edmunds House (ca. 1859) serves as a link to the Spanish Colonial period and the Hispanic settlers of early Texas history. The period of significance dates from ca. 1730, the estimated date of the earliest Contributing resource, the acequia, part of the irrigation system of Mission Concepción, until 1946, the fifty-year cut-off date for eligibility. Manuel Yturri de Castillo, a prominent merchant who owned property in several locations around San Antonio, acquired agricultural property from Mission Concepción after the mission became secularized during the early 1820s. This land became the site of the current homestead, passed down through the family until 1961 when Yturri's granddaughter Ernestine Edmunds willed the property to the San Antonio Conservation Society. The Yturri-Edmunds House reflects the collective cultural heritage of these Hispanic citizens of San Antonio while also possessing architectural significance as epresentative of a style of domestic, vernacular architecture typical of the Hispanic period in Texas and the American Southwest. Few of these adobe houses remain in San Antonio and the Yturri-Edmunds House stands as the best preserved example. For its relation to the history of Hispanic settlement and the lives of Hispanic settlers, the property is nominated under National Register Criterion A in the area of Ethnic Heritage at the local level of significance. For its representation of a type of construction once common but now rare in San Antonio, the property is nominated under Criterion C in the area of Architecture at the local level of significance.
Local significance of the building:
Hispanic; Architecture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1996.

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.

ethnic heritage hispanic architecture houses residential buildings
The state of Texas was once an independent country known as the Republic of Texas. It gained independence from Mexico in 1836 and was a separate nation until it was 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.