King Williams Area

San Antonio's Mansions

Many of the mansions in San Antonio were built by German immigrants who arrived in the area stating in the 1840's. Most became merchants who's names still can be seen on buildings and businesses throughout the city. Cheryl and I walked through the area known as King William (after Kaiser Wilhelm) this morning before she began her conference.
This was built by Edward Steves who came from Germany in 1848 and became a successful lumber baron. The house was built in 1878.

This house was originally built in 1876 by hardware merchant Russell Norton but was owned by several prominent people who each added on more stuff. The famous cattleman Ike T. Pryor was the last person of note to live here and did the majority of the additions.
This is the Carl Wilhelm August Groos house built in 1880 and is one of my favorites. I'm afraid the photo doesn't do it justice.
The William Sanger house wasn't built until 1905-6 but is spectacular due to its 5 gables and 6 tall chimneys.

There are about 50 houses on the historic register in this area. All but two, which are museums, are still private residences. The photos really don't capture the splendor of these homes.

Cheryl is now wanting another old house. I pointed out that each of them seemed to have full time gardeners and I imagine domestic staff as well. I guess we'd better start buying lottery tickets again.