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Reconstruction & Gilded Age

O. Henry House

San Antonio, Bexar County, Texas

Marker Inscription

Typical of the homes of early German settlers, this two-room dwelling was built by John Kush about 1855. It originally stood on south Presa Street. It was occupied in 1895-96 by William Sidney Porter, who gained national renown as the short story writer O. Henry. Here he issued a weekly humourous newspaper, "The Rolling Stone". In 1960 the structure was moved to this location by the Kush Family and the Lone Star Brewing Company.

Erected by Texas Historical Commission

The Story

This modest two-room dwelling, typical of San Antonio's early German settlers, was built by John Kush around 1855. In 1895–96 it housed William Sidney Porter — the writer who would win national fame as O. Henry — who published his witty weekly newspaper "The Rolling Stone" here. The house was moved to its present site in 1960 to preserve its literary and immigrant heritage.

Why it matters

The cottage connects San Antonio's German immigrant craftsmanship with one of America's most beloved short-story writers at the start of his career.

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Related people

  • · William Sidney Porter
  • · O. Henry
  • · John Kush

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