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

St. Philip's College

Photographed By Bernard Fisher, May 2, 2015

1. St. Philip's College Marker

Inscription. St. Philip‘s College was begun in an adobe house just north of this building in 1898. Originally a parochial day school, it grew into a grammar and industrial school with a boarding department. This two-story brick building was constructed by the Missionary District of West Texas of the Episcopal Church on property purchased in 1898 and 1911. The 1904 city map shows a two-story house with a one-story wing facing on Womble Alley. This wing later had the second story added.

Under the guidance of Miss Artemesia Bowden, St. Philip's prospered and expanded. The complex, including the building facing on Villita Street, housed school operations until 1917, when St. Philip's moved to a new facility. In 1922, the buildings were sold by the church. This structure was used as apartments until 1945, when it was acquired by the City of San Antonio.

Erected by La Villita Tenants Association and the San Antonio Conservation Society. (Marker Number K.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Education. In addition, it is included in the Historically Black Colleges and Universities series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1898.

Location. 29° 25.293′ N, 98° 29.33′ W. Marker is in San Antonio, Texas, in

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Bexar County. It is in La Villita. Marker is on King Philip Alley south of Villita Street, on the left when traveling south. 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. Kitchen (a few steps from this marker); Simon Bolivar (a few steps from this marker); Original Site of St. Philip's College (a few steps from this marker); Losana House (within shouting distance of this marker); Little Church of La Villita (within shouting distance of this marker); Articles of Capitulation (within shouting distance of this marker); Bowen-Kirchner House (within shouting distance of this marker); Esquida-Downs-Dietrich House (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in San Antonio.

Photographed By Bernard Fisher, May 2, 2015

2. St. Philip's College Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on February 2, 2023. It was originally submitted on May 4, 2015, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia. This page has been viewed 481 times since then and 17 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on May 4, 2015, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia.