Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio in Bexar County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
The Quadrangle and the Staff Post
Historic Fort Sam Houston:
Photographed by James Hulse, August 18, 2026
1. The Quadrangle and the Staff Post Marker
The Quadrangle, a scaled-down version of the Jeffersonville Quartermaster Depot in Indiana was begun in 1876 and originally served as a Quartermaster Depot and Headquarters for the Department of Texas. Designed as an open quadrangle with a two-story front and one-story sides and back surrounding a water/watchtower, it was sited on the highest available ground for tactical reasons. The grounds in the middle of the Quadrangle, encompassing roughly eight acres were planted with ornamental trees.
The Staff Post, developed in 1881 for officers’ quarters, was arranged in an L-shape around a parade ground that opened to the south onto Grayson Street. Prominent San Antonio architect Alfred Giles designed these quarters in the Italianate style. The largest of these quarters (Building No. 6) has always been occupied by the senior officer on the post.
Erected by Fort Sam Houston.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Forts and Castles. A significant historical year for this entry is 1876.
Location. 29° 26.606′ N, 98° 27.819′ W. Marker is in San Antonio, Texas, in Bexar County. It is in Fort Sam Houston.
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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: M-48 Medium Tank 90mm "Patton" (here, next to this marker); M-59 Armored Personnel Carrier (a few steps from this marker); M-5 Antitank Gun 3″ Towed (within shouting distance of this marker); UH-1B Utility Helicopter (within shouting distance of this marker); Bullis House (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Quadrangle: Hub of Military Activity in Texas (about 400 feet away); The Sally Port (about 400 feet away); Operation Encore: The Monte della Torraccia–Monte Castello Line
Photographed by James Hulse, August 18, 2026
2. The Quadrangle and the Staff Post Marker
The marker is located at the front of the M48 “Patton” Tank.
Other markers no longer nearby. Ft. Sam Houston Quadrangle and Staff Post (was here, next to this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it); M-1905 Field Gun (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been permanently removed).
More about this marker. Fort Sam Houston is an active military installation. Appropriate identification is required for access.
Photographed by James Hulse, August 18, 2026
3. The Quadrangle and the Staff Post Marker
The Quadrangle Tower.
Photographed by James Hulse, August 18, 2026
4. The Quadrangle and the Staff Post Marker
M-1905 Field Gun in front of the Quadrangle.
Photographed by James Hulse, August 18, 2026
5. The Quadrangle and the Staff Post Marker
Travis House on Staff Post Road.
Credits. This page was last revised on August 21, 2026. It was originally submitted on August 21, 2026, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. This page has been viewed 10 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on August 21, 2026, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.
