Commerce Street Bridge
San Antonio, Bexar County, Texas
Marker Inscription
The main ford between San Fernando de Bexar (the city) and San Antonio de Valero (the Alamo), this river crossing has long been a focal point of history. At its footbridge on Feb 23, 1836, Alamo emissary Albert Martin met to parley with Santa Anna's aide, Juan Almonte, during the Texas War for Indepedence. Mayor John W. Smith empoyed R. T. Higginbotham to build a wooden bridge in 1842. The scene was painted by artist Herman Lungwitz in 1854. In the 1850s the bridge and river (then as now an asset to the city) were described by world travelers Frederick Olmsted and William Bollaert. It was a favorite spot of noted southern author Sidney Lanier while he lived here. A sign in English, Spanish, and German recognizing the local ethnic population division was placed on the bridge in the 1870s. Law-abiding Teutons were told brusquely, "Schnelles Reiten Uber Dise Brucke Is Verboten". Mexicans however, were warned, "Anda Despacio Con Su Caballo, O Teme La Ley", while Anglo-Americans, unlikely to truckle to authority or fear the law, had their pocketbooks threatened: "Walk your horse over the bridge or you will be fined." Present bridge replaces an 1880 iron structure. Linking old and new, it spans 250 years of recorded history. (1971)
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
This crossing over the San Antonio River was the main ford between the town of San Fernando de Bexar and the Alamo, and history clustered around it for centuries. At its footbridge on February 23, 1836, Alamo emissary Albert Martin parleyed with Santa Anna's aide Juan Almonte in the opening days of the siege; later the span drew travelers and writers, and bore a famously trilingual sign warning German, Mexican, and Anglo riders—each in their own tongue—not to gallop across. The present structure replaced an 1880 iron bridge, still linking the old city to the new.
Why it matters
The bridge is a living seam of San Antonio's layered Spanish, Mexican, German, and Anglo-American history, and stood witness to the Texas Revolution itself.
Plan your visit
NearbyMake a day of it — museums, food, and places to stay near this marker.
Museums & culture
- Spanish Governor's Palace0.2 mi away
- Buckhorn Saloon and Museum0.2 mi away
- Briscoe Western Art Museum0.3 mi away · 210 West Market Street
- Louis Tussaud’s Waxworks0.3 mi away
- Ripley's Believe It or Not! Odditorium0.3 mi away
- Alamo Vistor Center and Museum (coming 2027)0.3 mi away
Attractions
- River boat boardingnearby
- River boat boarding0.3 mi away
- La Villita0.3 mi away
- Casa Navarro State Historical Site0.3 mi away
- Sea Life Aquarium0.4 mi away · 849 East Commerce Street, San Antonio, TX
- River boat boarding0.5 mi away
Food & drink
- Paesanos Riverwalk0.2 mi away · 111 Crockett Way, San Antonio, TX
- Saltgrass Steak House0.2 mi away
- Landry's Seafood House0.2 mi away · 517 North Presa Street, San Antonio, TX
- Texas de Brazil0.2 mi away · 313 East Houston Street, San Antonio
- Mad Dogs British Pub0.2 mi away · 123 Losoya Street
- The Original Mexican Restaurant0.2 mi away
Places to stay
- Holiday Inn Riverwalknearby · 217 North Saint Mary's Street, San Antonio, TX
- Mokara Hotel and Spa0.1 mi away · 212 West Crockett Street, San Antonio, TX
- Omni La Mansión del Rio0.1 mi away · 112 College Street, San Antonio
- The Westin Riverwalk, San Antonio0.1 mi away · 420 West Market Street, San Antonio
- Sheraton Gunter Hotel San Antonio0.2 mi away · 205 East Houston Street, San Antonio, TX
- Hotel Contessa0.2 mi away · 306 West Market Street
Places data © OpenStreetMap contributors. Hours and details change — call ahead.
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Related people
- · Albert Martin
- · Juan Almonte
- · Antonio López de Santa Anna
Related events
- · Siege of the Alamo
Themes & tags
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