King William Historic District

King William Historic District

The King William Historic District is a 25-block area located south of and adjacent to downtown San Antonio on the east bank of the San Antonio River. In the 1700s this land was irrigated farm land and belonged to the Mission San Antonio de Valero, which we know as the Alamo.

In 1793, the land owned by the mission was divided among the native families who lived there or was sold at public auction. The King William Neighborhood that we know today was subdivided into lots in the 1860s and laid out with streets which still exist as they originally were. Many Germans who had immigrated to Texas in the 1840s began to move from smaller settlements into larger towns and many settled in this area which became known as "Sauerkraut Bend." This German neighborhood developed into a wonderful area of large homes shaded by pecan, oak, and cypress trees.

The main entry street into the area was given the name King Wilhelm in honor of King Wilhelm I, King of Prussia in the 1870s. During World War I, when America was at war with Germany, the name was changed to Pershing Avenue. After the war was over the original name was restored, but was given the English version of the name, King William.

In the early 1900s the King William District lost favor as an upscale neighborhood for the upper class and by 1920 many of the original home builders had passed away and their descendants moved away from the area. During the 1930s and 1940s the neighborhood had fallen into decline and deterioration. Only a handful of the earlier settlers remained in the area and maintained their homes as before.

However, the 1950s saw an interest in restoring and preserving these fine old houses and the King William area once again became a desirable place to live. The King William District was designated the first Historic Neighborhood District in Texas in 1967. It is protected Under a zoning ordinance designed to "protect it for the benefit and enjoyment of the public."

If you are a history buff and enjoy looking at historic homes, a visit to the King William District is a must. Most of the homes in the district are privately owned and can only be viewed from the street or sidewalk. However, two are open to the public:

The Guenther House: Located at 205 East Guenther Street. This house, built in 1860, was home to Edward Guenther, the founder of the Pioneer Flour Mills, and his family. The house is currently owned by the San Antonio Conservation Society and features a popular and excellent restaurant (open for breakfast and lunch only,) museum, and gift shop. It also has a room available for small parties.

Open Monday-Saturday 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. and Sunday 8:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Admission is free.

The Steves Homestead: Located at 509 King William Street. This home was built in 1876 for Edward Steves, founder of the Steves Lumber Company. In 1964, it was designated as a historic home.

Open daily for tours from 10:00am-4:15pm. Admission: $5 for adults; free for children under 12.