Main/Military Plaza in San Antonio in Bexar County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)

The Casas Reales

Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., March 31, 2010

1. The Casas Reales Marker

Inscription. On site chosen July 2, 1731, for "government houses" by people of San Fernando de Bexar, including newly-arrived settlers from the Canary Islands. Structure, erected 1742, had to be rebuilt in 1779 by Don Jose Antonio Curbelo, alcalde of the Villa San Fernando de Bexar. A jail was erected to the south in 1783.

From commanding position of Casas Reales on Main Plaza were read official proclamations, to the roll of drums. A noted visitor in 1807 was Lt. Zebulon M. Pike, freed after arrest on upper Rio Grande while exploring Louisiana Purchase for the United States. Briefly in 1813 over the Cases Reales flew the green flag of the rebel Republican Army of the North, formed to free Mexico from Spain's rule. Aided by the Baron de Bastrop, Moses Austin in December 1820 initiated the Anglo-American colonization of Texas by filing his petition and plans with the governor and cabildo (council) in Casas Reales. Santa Anna arrived here February 23, 1836, to press the siege of the Alamo. The bloody "Council House Fight" between Texian leaders and Comanche chiefs occurred here on March 19, 1840.

The building served as municipal headquarters under Spanish, Mexican, Republic of Texas, and American regimes, but were vacated in 1850 by the city.

Erected 1971 by State Historical Survey Committee

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. (Marker Number 748.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Notable Buildings • War, Texas Independence • Wars, US Indian. In addition, it is included in the El Camino Real de los Tejas National Historic Trail series list. A significant historical date for this entry is February 23, 1836.

Location. 29° 25.462′ N, 98° 29.588′ W. Marker is in San Antonio, Texas, in Bexar County. It is in Main/Military Plaza. Marker is at the intersection of Market Street and West Main Plaza, on the left when traveling east on Market Street. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: 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. Council House (a few steps from this marker); Sinister Enticements (a few steps from this marker); Draws a Revolver and Fires Away (within shouting distance of this marker); American Dancers (within shouting distance of this marker); The Rioters (within shouting distance of this marker); San Antonio: The Flavor of Its Past (within shouting distance of this marker); Plaza Principal (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.

Casas Reales Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Richard Denney

2. Casas Reales Marker

Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., March 31, 2010

3. The Casas Reales Marker

On right, in shadow of pole.

Casas Reales image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Richard Denney, 1999

4. Casas Reales

Site of Council House Fight between Texians and Comanches, 1840. Marker on wall. Photo looking east.

Credits. This page was last revised on February 2, 2023. It was originally submitted on June 28, 2009, by Richard Denney of Austin, Texas. This page has been viewed 3,377 times since then and 42 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on April 20, 2010, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania. 2. submitted on June 28, 2009, by Richard Denney of Austin, Texas. 3. submitted on April 20, 2010, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania. 4. submitted on June 28, 2009, by Richard Denney of Austin, Texas. • Kevin W. was the editor who published this page.