Anton Wulff House
San Antonio, Bexar County, Texas
Marker Inscription
After migrating to Texas from his native Germany in 1848, Anton Wulff (1822-1884) became a prosperous San Antonio merchant. He served as a City Alderman and as the first City Park Commissioner. He built this Italianate style home in 1869-1870 for his wife Maria (1834-1908) and their 11 children. The residence was sold in 1902 to Arthur Guenther, owner of the Liberty Flour Mill, whose family occupied it until 1950. It was restored (1974) by the San Antonio Conservation Society.
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
Anton Wulff left his native Germany for Texas in 1848 and rose to become a prosperous San Antonio merchant, serving as a city alderman and the town's first park commissioner. In 1869–1870 he built this handsome Italianate residence for his wife Maria and their eleven children. Later home to the family of flour-mill owner Arthur Guenther until 1950, it was restored by the San Antonio Conservation Society in 1974.
Why it matters
The house embodies the immigrant success story that shaped nineteenth-century San Antonio, where German newcomers helped build the city's commerce and civic life.
Plan your visit
NearbyMake a day of it — museums, food, and places to stay near this marker.
Museums & culture
- San Antonio Art League Museumnearby · TX
- Villa Finale Visitor Center0.1 mi away
- Texas Highway Patrol Museum0.2 mi away · TX
- Instituto Cultural de Mexico0.3 mi away
- Villa Finale0.3 mi away
- Robert Hughes Gallery0.3 mi away
Attractions
- Yanaguana Garden0.2 mi away
- La Villita0.3 mi away
- River boat boarding0.4 mi away
- Tower of the Americas0.4 mi away · 739 East César E. Chávez Boulevard, San Antonio, TX
- River boat boarding0.5 mi away
- Sea Life Aquarium0.5 mi away · 849 East Commerce Street, San Antonio, TX
Food & drink
- McDonald's0.5 mi away · 101 Alamo Plaza, San Antonio, TX
- Chipotle0.5 mi away · 849 East Commerce Street, San Antonio, TX
- The Original Mexican Restaurant0.5 mi away
- Cafe Ole0.5 mi away
- Agave Bar0.5 mi away
- Lone Star Cafe0.5 mi away
Places to stay
- Hilton Palacio del Rio0.4 mi away
- The Monarch San Antonio0.4 mi away
- Hotel Contessa0.4 mi away · 306 West Market Street
- The Westin Riverwalk, San Antonio0.4 mi away · 420 West Market Street, San Antonio
- Mokara Hotel and Spa0.5 mi away · 212 West Crockett Street, San Antonio, TX
- Grand Hyatt San Antonio0.5 mi away · 600 East Market Street, San Antonio, TX
Places data © OpenStreetMap contributors. Hours and details change — call ahead.
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Related people
- · Anton Wulff
- · Maria Wulff
- · Arthur Guenther
Themes & tags
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