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Early Republic

Gustav Blersch House

San Antonio, Bexar County, Texas

Marker Inscription

This house is one of three standing Antebellum structures in the King William Historic District. Gustav Blersch, a German immigrant, importer and retail dealer, built this two-story limestone home in 1860 with designer Gustave Freisleben and contractor John Hermann Kampmann. Blersch sold the property to banker James T. Thornton in 1871. The Thorntons enlarged the house, adding a two-story rear wing and bay window. From 1883 to 1905, the home was owned by numerous families. In 1905 it was purchased by William Clarkson. Porches were enclosed and a sleeping porch added c. 1920. In 1948 the home was sold to cousins, the Watson family, who continue to care for this historic structure. Recorded Texas Historic Landmark - 2011

Erected by Texas Historical Commission

The Story

German immigrant and importer Gustav Blersch built this two-story limestone home in 1860, making it one of only a handful of surviving antebellum structures in San Antonio's King William Historic District. Working with a German designer and a noted local contractor, he created a house that a series of later owners — bankers, families, and finally the Watson cousins — enlarged and carefully preserved. Additions over the years, including a bay window and enclosed porches, layered a century of domestic life onto the original.

Why it matters

The house testifies to the German immigrant merchants who helped build antebellum San Antonio and to the enduring architectural heritage of its King William district.

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  • · Gustav Blersch
  • · John Hermann Kampmann

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