Downtown in San Antonio in Bexar County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)

Menger Soap Works

Photographed By James Hulse, December 30, 2022

1. Menger Soap Works Marker

Inscription. Johann Nicholas Menger (1807-1892), a native of Germany, came to Texas with the Castro Colony and moved to San Antonio in 1847. In 1850 he started a factory that supplied soap for much of the city and southwest Texas. By 1873, Menger had built this limestone structure, an important example of an early industrial building, to house his soap works. Utilizing the waters of San Pedro Creek, the factory operated until the early part of the twentieth century. Recorded Texas Historic Landmark - 1983
Entered in
the National Register
of Historic Places
1973

Erected 1983 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 3336.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Immigration • Industry & Commerce. A significant historical year for this entry is 1847.

Location. 29° 25.74′ N, 98° 29.805′ W. Marker is in San Antonio, Texas, in Bexar County. It is in Downtown. Marker can be reached from the intersection of West Marten Street and North Santa Rosa Street, on the right when traveling east. The marker is located on the backside of the building which serves as the business office to the Soap Factory Apartments. Touch for map. Marker is at

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or near this postal address: 500 North Santa Rosa Street, San Antonio TX 78207, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Early Industry Along San Pedro Creek (within shouting distance of this marker); Historical Features along San Pedro Creek (within shouting distance of this marker); A Living Heritage: City Streets and the Legacy of Early Settlers (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Living Worlds of San Pedro Creek (about 400 feet away); The Taming of San Pedro Creek (about 500 feet away); The Barrio del Norte (approx. 0.2 miles away); San Pedro Creek (approx. 0.2 miles away); Houston Street (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in San Antonio.

Also see . . . Menger, Johann Nicholaus Simon (1807–1892). Texas State Historical Association

Simon Menger, piano teacher, choral conductor, and soap manufacturer, was born Johann Nicholaus Simon Menger in Stadtilm, Schwarzburg–Rudolstadt, Thuringia, on June 6, 1807. Menger was a teacher in Germany for many years before immigrating to Texas as a member of Castro's colony. In October 1846 he and his family arrived at Galveston, where they remained for a short time. Menger then went to Indianola, Victoria, and New Braunfels; on January 1, 1847, he bought
Photographed By James Hulse, December 30, 2022

2. The backside of the Menger Soap Works Building with the Marker
fifty acres in Hortontown. He farmed until June, when he moved to San Antonio to teach piano.

(Submitted on January 6, 2023, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.)

The front of the Menger Soap Works Building by the street image. Click for full size.

Photographed By James Hulse, December 30, 2022

3. The front of the Menger Soap Works Building by the street

Credits. This page was last revised on February 2, 2023. It was originally submitted on January 6, 2023, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. This page has been viewed 202 times since then and 64 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on January 6, 2023, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.