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

South Texas Building

Established 1919 - Renovated 1982

Photographed by James Hulse, March 25, 2023

1. South Texas Building Marker

Inscription. Records for this site date back to February 25, 1793, when the Spanish government granted the land to settler Matias del Rio. He planted six pecks of corn. The land was good, and his harvests are reported to have been excellent. In 1919, this building was constructed. At the time, it was San Antonio's tallest structure and Texas' most costly bank building. It was known as the "million dollar bank." Over the years, many of San Antonio's most highly esteemed professionals, prominent physicians and prestigious companies have officed here, and the South Texas Building stands as a symbol to the economic development of the city. Completely renovated in 1982, the building is today an excellent example of early 20th century "Sullivanesque" architecture. On February 25, 1982, one hundred and eighty-nine years after Matias del Rio first received the land, a dedication ceremony was held to commemorate the building's restoration. Several artifacts were placed in a time capsule in this cornerstone--among them a handful of maize.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Notable Buildings. In addition,

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it is included in the Time Capsules series list. A significant historical date for this entry is February 25, 1793.

Location. 29° 25.594′ N, 98° 29.39′ W. Marker is in San Antonio, Texas, in Bexar County. It is in Downtown. It is at the intersection of Houston Street and Navarro Street, on the right when traveling west on Houston Street. The marker is located on the corner of the building. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: San Antonio TX 78205, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in South Texas.

It is also in the American South.

Globally, it is in North America,

a Gulf of Mexico state,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain,

the Republic of Texas,

and one of the Confederate States of America.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Welcome to Historic Houston Street (within shouting distance of this marker); Majestic Theatre (within shouting distance of this marker); Travis Park United Methodist Church (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Old St. Mary's College

The South Texas Building Marker is located on the corner of the building image. Click for full size.

Photographed by James Hulse, March 25, 2023

2. The South Texas Building Marker is located on the corner of the building

(about 300 feet away); Old Military Headquarters (about 400 feet away); Site of the Home of Dr. Ferdinand Ludwig Herff (about 400 feet away); The Hertzberg Clock (about 500 feet away); Site of Old St. Mary's (about 600 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in San Antonio.

The view of the South Texas Building and Marker from across the street image. Click for full size.

Photographed by James Hulse, March 25, 2023

3. The view of the South Texas Building and Marker from across the street

The South Texas Building image. Click for full size.

Photographed by James Hulse, March 25, 2023

4. The South Texas Building

Photographed by Adam Margolis, April 6, 2024

5. South Texas Building Marker

Photographed by Adam Margolis, April 6, 2024

6. South Texas Building Marker

Marker is located at the corner of the building

Credits. This page was last revised on July 11, 2024. It was originally submitted on June 5, 2023, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. This page has been viewed 451 times since then and 58 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on June 5, 2023, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. 5, 6. submitted on July 11, 2024, by Adam Margolis of Mission Viejo, California.