The Casas Reales
San Antonio, Bexar County, Texas
Marker Inscription
On site chosen July 2, 1731, for "government houses" by people of San Fernando de Bexar, including newly-arrived settlers from the Canary Islands. Structure, erected 1742, had to be rebuilt in 1779 by Don Jose Antonio Curbelo, alcalde of the Villa San Fernando de Bexar. A jail was erected to the south in 1783. From commanding position of Casas Reales on Main Plaza were read official proclamations, to the roll of drums. A noted visitor in 1807 was Lt. Zebulon M. Pike, freed after arrest on upper Rio Grande while exploring Louisiana Purchase for the United States. Briefly in 1813 over the Cases Reales flew the green flag of the rebel Republican Army of the North, formed to free Mexico from Spain's rule. Aided by the Baron de Bastrop, Moses Austin in December 1820 initiated the Anglo-American colonization of Texas by filing his petition and plans with the governor and cabildo (council) in Casas Reales. Santa Anna arrived here February 23, 1836, to press the siege of the Alamo. The bloody "Council House Fight" between Texian leaders and Comanche chiefs occurred here on March 19, 1840. The building served as municipal headquarters under Spanish, Mexican, Republic of Texas, and American regimes, but were vacated in 1850 by the city. (1971)
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
Chosen in 1731 by the Canary Islander settlers of San Fernando de Bexar, the Casas Reales served for more than a century as the seat of government on San Antonio's Main Plaza. From its steps, officials proclaimed the news of empires and republics to the roll of drums; Zebulon Pike passed through in 1807, the green flag of Mexican rebellion flew over it in 1813, and Moses Austin filed his colonization petition there in 1820. Santa Anna made it his headquarters during the siege of the Alamo in 1836, and four years later the deadly Council House Fight erupted here between Texan officials and Comanche leaders.
Why it matters
Few buildings witnessed so much of Texas history in one spot — Spanish, Mexican, Republic, and American rule all governed from this plaza, where the collision of empires, settlers, and the Comanche played out.
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
- Briscoe Western Art Museum0.3 mi away · 210 West Market Street
- Buckhorn Saloon and Museum0.3 mi away
- Centro de Artes0.3 mi away
- Louis Tussaud’s Waxworks0.3 mi away
- Ripley's Believe It or Not! Odditorium0.4 mi away
Attractions
- River boat boarding0.1 mi away
- Casa Navarro State Historical Site0.3 mi away
- La Villita0.3 mi away
- River boat boarding0.3 mi away
- Sea Life Aquarium0.4 mi away · 849 East Commerce Street, San Antonio, TX
- Yanaguana Garden0.5 mi away
Food & drink
- Paesanos Riverwalk0.3 mi away · 111 Crockett Way, San Antonio, TX
- Saltgrass Steak House0.3 mi away
- Landry's Seafood House0.3 mi away · 517 North Presa Street, San Antonio, TX
- The Original Mexican Restaurant0.3 mi away
- Mad Dogs British Pub0.3 mi away · 123 Losoya Street
- Texas de Brazil0.3 mi away · 313 East Houston Street, San Antonio
Places to stay
- Holiday Inn Riverwalk0.1 mi away · 217 North Saint Mary's Street, San Antonio, TX
- The Westin Riverwalk, San Antonio0.2 mi away · 420 West Market Street, San Antonio
- Mokara Hotel and Spa0.2 mi away · 212 West Crockett Street, San Antonio, TX
- Omni La Mansión del Rio0.2 mi away · 112 College 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
- · Zebulon M. Pike
- · Moses Austin
- · Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna
- · Jose Antonio Curbelo
Related events
- · Council House Fight (1840)
- · Siege of the Alamo (1836)
- · Moses Austin's colonization petition (1820)
Themes & tags
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