We really enjoyed walking through the King William district the last time that we were in San Antonio. So, returning to the city this was a must do enjoyable walk through a beautiful and historic neighborhood. Just south of downtown, this area is filled with stately old homes built in Greek revival, Victorian and Italianate architecture. It ranks right up there with Beacon Hill in Boston, the French Quarter in New Orleans and Georgetown in Washington D.C. We’ve now seen all four!
A quick history of the area goes back to the 1790’s when land owned by the Missions was put up for auction to attract settlers. In the 1840’s, German immigrants to Texas began to settle the area. The name came from a German immigrant/businessman who named the main street after King Wilhelm, King of Prussia.
The district was once known as the “Sauerkraut Bend,” a derogatory name given to the German community. And during World War I, when anti-German sentiment ran high, it was named Pershing Avenue to honor U.S. Army Gen. John J. Pershing . The King William name was restored after the war.
Germans that settled in the area constructed large and impressive homes to form their own idyllic neighborhood. The area fell into disrepair after WW-II after the original owners moved away. In 1972, the area became a National Historic Place and many of the homes were restored. Even walking around this week, we saw many update construction projects underway. It is great that owners are restoring these incredible homes back to their original state.
The photos below were from our home tour of the Steves Homestead, an 1876 elegant 3-story mansion built of limestone.
We love to see the historic architecture and when combined with the San Antonio Riverwalk, it is a winning combination! Some other city’s historic district may have a dozen of these beautiful homes, but King William has probably hundreds. The King William district is located just south of downtown right along the Riverwalk. We brought our lunch to eat at the Blue Star Brewery at about the halfway point on our walk. It was a good day.
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Beautiful Houses! We hope to visit the area next winter and will certainly make sure to tour this area. Thanks for the info!
Yes, in San Antonio make sure to do the Riverwalk, have lunch along the riverwalk, tour some missions (Alamo is one), and walk through the King William street area.
Love those homes.
Yes, the old stately homes appeal much more than any new one, to me anyway. Although, they might be a nightmare to maintain. 🙂
Thanks for sharing your visit to San Antonio. It’s a great spot to spend time. Hope you next move goes smoothly.
Keep safe.
Robert
Thanks Robert. The next move is only 70 miles, but through the middle of San Antonio.