Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio in Bexar County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)

Cannon and the Tower

Photographed by James Hulse, August 18, 2026

1. Cannon and the Tower Marker

Inscription.
Cannon have been on display at the Tower since about 1895. These two cannon are copies of the M-1841 6-pounder Field Howitzers. The M-1841 could fire a 3.67″ diameter solid shot to a range of 1,500 yards.

The Tower is 90 feet tall and measures 16 feet square at the base. It was built to hold a water tank and a watchman’s station at the 60-foot level. In 1882, a clock replaced the water tank.

Two scenes from the motion picture, “Wings,” the first movie to win the Academy Award for Best Picture, were filmed in the Quadrangle in 1927.

Erected by Fort Sam Houston Museum.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Forts and Castles. A significant historical year for this entry is 1895.

Location. 29° 26.667′ N, 98° 27.744′ W. Marker is in San Antonio, Texas, in Bexar County. It is in Fort Sam Houston. It is at the intersection of Liscum Road and Staff Post Road on Liscum Road. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1405 E Grayson St, Jbsa Ft Sam Houston TX 78234, 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: The Quadrangle: Quartermaster Depot (here, next to this marker); Operation Encore: The Monte della Torraccia–Monte Castello Line (within

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shouting distance of this marker); The Quadrangle: Hub of Military Activity in Texas (within shouting distance of this marker); The Sally Port (within shouting distance of this marker); Water Features (within shouting distance of this marker); The Quadrangle Oak (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Camp John Wise (about 400 feet away); M-3 Antitank Gun 37mm Towed (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in San Antonio.

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

2. Cannon and the Tower Marker

Photographed by James Hulse

3. Cannon and the Tower Marker

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 16 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on August 21, 2026, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.