Main/Military Plaza in San Antonio in Bexar County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)

White Elephant

Albert Curtis, Fabulous San Antonio, 1880s

— Main Plaza —

White Elephant Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By James Hulse, August 9, 2021

1. White Elephant Marker

Inscription. Another sin spot in old San Antonio neighbored the Jack Harris Variety Hall and faced the Plaza from the north. This was the celebrated White Elephant. It was one of the most palatial saloons, gambling halls and billiard parlors in the city, and always celebrated its anniversaries by giving a free buffet luncheon and champagne punch to all patrons. The fittings are elegant in extreme and it is no figure of speech to say that they are not equaled by any saloon or hotel south of Chicago.

Erected 2008 by Bexar County and the city of San Antonio.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Entertainment.

Location. 29° 25.491′ N, 98° 29.612′ W. Marker is in San Antonio, Texas, in Bexar County. It is in Main/Military Plaza. Marker can be reached from the intersection of Dolorosa and Main Plaza. The marker lays flat on the ground in the Main Plaza grounds. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 100 Dolorosa, 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. Cock Fighting (a few steps from this marker); Games of Chance (a few steps from this marker); Main Plaza - Plaza de las Islas (a few steps from this marker); Plaza Principal (a few steps from

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this marker); The Old Cathedral (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Main Plaza - Plaza de las Islas (within shouting distance of this marker); The Woll Invasion (within shouting distance of this marker); General David E. Twiggs (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in San Antonio.

Regarding White Elephant. When visiting Main Plaza, be sure to look for and locate all 30 significant, historical pavers embedded into the floor of the plaza.

Also see . . . Harris, Jack (ca. 1834–1882).

His saloon became the most popular gathering place in town-the bar; the stage, which presented plays in addition to the usual vaudeville acts; and the adjoining 101 Club, a gambling place. In 1880 Ben Thompson, noted gunslinger, gambler, and Austin saloonkeeper (and a former army buddy of Harris), spent an evening at the theater, gambling at a table with Joe Foster as dealer. Thompson lost heavily and left in a bad mood, voicing loud threats of revenge even after his return to Austin. Source: The Handbook of Texas
Photographed By James Hulse, August 9, 2021

2. Closeup of the White Elephant Marker

(Submitted on December 25, 2021, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.)

The view of the White Elephant Marker in the Main Plaza image. Click for full size.

Photographed By James Hulse, August 9, 2021

3. The view of the White Elephant Marker in the Main Plaza

Closeup of the artwork of the White Elephant Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By James Hulse, August 9, 2021

4. Closeup of the artwork of the White Elephant Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on February 2, 2023. It was originally submitted on December 24, 2021, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. This page has been viewed 223 times since then and 58 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on December 25, 2021, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.