King William Historic District

The King William Historic District is a 25-block area located immediately south of downtown San Antonio on the east bank of the San Antonio River.

King William History:

What was once farmland belonging to the Mission San Antonio de Valero (The Alamo), the area became a popular neighborhood among German immigrants in the late 19th century.

King William Street was originally named for Prussia’s Kaiser Wilhelm I. The King William area of San Antonio suffered a tremendous decline in the 1940′s and 1950′s. Then in 1967, the neighborhood became Texas’ first Historic Neighborhood District. If you enjoy looking at historic homes, the neighborhood is a delight.

© King William / SACVB

King William Homes:

Most of the homes in the district are privately owned and can only be viewed from outside. However two are open to the public, The Guenther House and Edward Steves Homestead.

The Guenther House
Built in 1860, the Guenther House was home to the founder of the Pioneer Flour Mills. Currently the house is owned by the San Antonio Conservation Society and features a restaurant, museum and store.

Admission is free. Guenther House is open Monday-Saturday 8:00am-4:00pm and Sunday 8:00am-3:00pm. The house is located at 205 East Guenther Street.

© Guenther House / SACVB

Edward Steves Homestead
The Edward Steves Homestead was built in 1876 for Edward Steves, founder of the Steves Lumber Company. Since 1964 it has been maintained as a historic home.

The home is open daily for tours from 10:00am-4:15pm. Admission is $5 for adults and free for children under 12. The house is located at 509 King William Street.

While in the area, stop at one of the popular restaurants to enjoy a bite to eat.

King William Area Restaurants:

• Beauregard’s Bistro – 215 Beauregard
• El Mirador Restaurant – 722 S. Saint Mary’s Street
• Rosario’s Restaurant – 910 S. Alamo Street

Also check out the The Church at King William (1150 S. Alamo Street). This historical church is rich in history and beauty.