Alamo Plaza in San Antonio in Bexar County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
Menger Hotel
William A. (1827-1871) and Mary Menger, both born in Germany, opened a boarding house and brewery at this site in 1855, when most local businesses were still clustered around Main Plaza and Military Plaza. The popularity of the boarding house led Menger to replace it with a two-story stone hotel erected at the corner of Blum and Alamo Plaza in 1859. Mary Menger sold the hotel in 1881 to J.H. Kampmann, the builder of the first portion of the structure.
Famed for its excellent meals and beautiful patio garden, the Menger was San Antonio’s most prominent hotel in the 19th century. It attracted many well known visitors and was periodically enlarged and remodeled to accommodate more guests. Cattlemen such as Richard King stayed here during the era of the great cattle drives. Other guests included Generals U. S. Grant, Robert E. Lee, and John Pershing; Poet Sidney Lanier; Writer O. Henry (William Sidney Porter); and performers at the Grand Opera House across the plaza. Theodore Roosevelt recruited has regiment of “Rough Riders” for the Spanish-American War at the Menger in 1898.
Purchased in 1943 by W. L. Moody, Jr., the hotel was further expanded in 1966-67 to cover the entire block.
Erected 1976 by State Historical Survey Committee. (Marker Number 14189.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • War, Spanish-American. In addition, it is included in the Former U.S. Presidents: #26 Theodore Roosevelt series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1855.
Location. 29° 25.48′ N, 98° 29.193′ W. Marker is in San Antonio, Texas, in Bexar County. It is in Alamo Plaza. Marker is on East Crockett Street just east of Alamo Plaza. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 204 Alamo Plaza, San Antonio TX 78205, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Barbed Wire Demonstration (a few steps from this marker); San Antonio Section - National Council of Jewish Women (a few steps from this marker); a different marker also named Menger Hotel (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Menger Hotel (within shouting distance of this marker); Menger Bar (within shouting distance of this marker); The Alamo in 1836 (within shouting distance of this marker); Teddy Roosevelt, Jr. (within shouting distance of this marker); Pat O'Brien's (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in San Antonio.
Credits. This page was last revised on February 2, 2023. It was originally submitted on May 19, 2010, by Ronald Claiborne of College Station, Texas. This page has been viewed 1,317 times since then and 40 times this year. Last updated on February 28, 2016, by Lee Hattabaugh of Capshaw, Alabama. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on May 11, 2010, by Ronald Claiborne of College Station, Texas. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.