Norton-Polk-Mathis House
San Antonio, Bexar County, Texas
Marker Inscription
This site, from lower lands of Mission San Antonio De Valero, later part of the Vicente Amador Spanish Grant, was bought 1869 by merchant Russel C. Norton, who began building in 1876. HOuse grew with additions of a second story, Victorian Gingerbread rear Gallery, and Italian Renaissance Revival Tower. Later owners were rancher Edwin Polk and renowned trail Bossa and cattleman Ike T. Pryor. Business leader Walter N. Mathis restored Mansion in 1968.
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
Once part of the lands of Mission San Antonio de Valero and later a Spanish grant, this parcel was purchased in 1869 by merchant Russel C. Norton, who began building in 1876. The house grew grandly over time, gaining a second story, an ornate Victorian gallery, and an Italian Renaissance Revival tower. Later owners included the rancher Edwin Polk and famed trail boss and cattleman Ike T. Pryor, before business leader Walter N. Mathis restored the mansion in 1968.
Why it matters
Passing from merchant to cattlemen to preservationist, the mansion traces San Antonio's transformation across the cattle-boom decades that built fortunes on the Texas range.
Plan your visit
NearbyMake a day of it — museums, food, and places to stay near this marker.
Museums & culture
- Villa Finalenearby
- Steves Homestead Museum0.1 mi away
- Robert Hughes Gallery0.2 mi away
- Villa Finale Visitor Center0.3 mi away
- San Antonio Art League Museum0.3 mi away · TX
- ArmonArt0.3 mi away
Attractions
- Yanaguana Garden0.6 mi away
- La Villita0.6 mi away
- Casa Navarro State Historical Site0.7 mi away
- River boat boarding0.7 mi away
- Tower of the Americas0.7 mi away · 739 East César E. Chávez Boulevard, San Antonio, TX
- River boat boarding0.8 mi away
Food & drink
- McDonald's0.8 mi away · 101 Alamo Plaza, San Antonio, TX
- The Original Mexican Restaurant0.8 mi away
- Chipotle0.8 mi away · 849 East Commerce Street, San Antonio, TX
- Cafe Ole0.8 mi away
- Agave Bar0.8 mi away
- Lone Star Cafe0.8 mi away
Places to stay
- Hotel Contessa0.7 mi away · 306 West Market Street
- The Westin Riverwalk, San Antonio0.7 mi away · 420 West Market Street, San Antonio
- Hilton Palacio del Rio0.7 mi away
- The Monarch San Antonio0.7 mi away
- Mokara Hotel and Spa0.8 mi away · 212 West Crockett Street, San Antonio, TX
- Grand Hyatt San Antonio0.8 mi away · 600 East Market Street, San Antonio, TX
Places data © OpenStreetMap contributors. Hours and details change — call ahead.
Own a business near here? Add it to the map.
Related people
- · Russel C. Norton
- · Ike T. Pryor
- · Walter N. Mathis
Themes & tags
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