Main/Military Plaza in San Antonio in Bexar County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
The Bexar County Courthouse
This is the fourth edifice to house the government of the county since Texas entered the United States. The citizens authorized $621,000 worth of bonds in the 1890s to finance its construction. James Riely Gordon (1863-1937), architect for many imposing public buildings, including at least one state capitol, submitted the award-winning Romanesque design for this courthouse. The builders were George Dugan, David Hughes, and Otto P. Kroeger. The foundation was laid in 1891, and the structure was completed in 1896. Native Texas granite and red sandstone are basic materials of the massive building. Towers roofed in green tile and red tile, handsome columns and arches, carvings, and many fine interior details gave the edifice great distinction.
Additions in 1914 and 1926 continued the use of Texas granite and sandstone. Expansions in 1963, 1970, and 1973 employed other materials, however, and also altered portions of the original design.
Erected 1976 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 399.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Notable Buildings. A significant historical year for this entry is 1731.
Location. 29° 25.422′ 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 Dolorosa, 0.1 miles west of Main Plaza. Marker is located in the front alcove of the courthouse, at the top of the stairs. 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. Sell the Courthouse (within shouting distance of this marker); 200th Anniversary of San Antonio Municipal Government (within shouting distance of this marker); The West Bank (within shouting distance of this marker); Lasting Peace with the Apache Nation (within shouting distance of this marker); American Legion Memorial Highway (within shouting distance of this marker); San Antonio Mutual Aid Association (within shouting distance of this marker); "Save the Plaza" (within shouting distance of this marker); Justice's Court (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in San Antonio.
Credits. This page was last revised on February 2, 2023. It was originally submitted on November 14, 2012, by Paul Fehrenbach of Germantown, Wisconsin. This page has been viewed 706 times since then and 33 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on November 14, 2012, by Paul Fehrenbach of Germantown, Wisconsin. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.