Located at 105 Military Plaza in downtown San Antonio, the Spanish Governor’s Palace is a National Historic Landmark. It represents the Spanish colonial architecture that characterized San Antonio in the 18^th century. This structure was constructed in 1749.

Originally established as the Presidio San Antonio de Bexar, the structure eventually housed the Commandancia or residence and office of the presidio’s captain. It became known as the Spanish Governor’s Palace when the capital of Spanish Texas was located in San Antonio during the mid-1770s. By the time of Texas’ independence from Mexico in 1836, the facility had declined in importance.

The building with its long, low facade and patio and courtyard is one of the few remaining examples of this early colonial architecture in Texas. The building remained in one family’s hands as a private residence until the City of San Antonio purchased it in 1928. Thereafter it was used for many years as a commercial structure. The city restored the site in 1929 and dedicated in 1931 and began operating it as a museum.

Credits and Sources:

“Spanish Governor’s Palace” National Register of Historic Places. (1976) https://npgallery.nps.gov/NRHP/GetAsset/2c4ba9ac-7447-4d12-8391-0b57d8e12aa7/