United States San Antonio Arsenal
San Antonio, Bexar County, Texas
Marker Inscription
Founded in 1858, the United States Arsenal at San Antonio was located on a site selected by Capt. R.H. K. Whiteley. Construction began in 1859 under the supervision of contractors John Me. and W.W. Campbell. Three buildings were under construction at the beginning of the Civil War: The magazine, office building, and Armorer's shop. After U.S. commander Gen. David E. Twiggs surrendered all federal property in the city to state forces commanded by Ben McCulloch in 1861, construction was continued by confederate forces. During the war the Arsenal served as a principal supply depot for troops in South Texas and on the western frontier. In November 1865 federal troops reoccupied this complex and assumed control of all military installations in the area. Construction of additional buildings continued after 1873, and this became a central supply point for U.S. troops in the southwest. In 1877 and 1883 buildings were added, and changes were made to existing structures. During World War I another building expansion program occurred,and by 1920 the compound consisted of forty-four buildings. The San Antonio Arsenal was deactivated by the U.S. Army in 1947.
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
Established in 1858, the U.S. Arsenal at San Antonio was still under construction when the Civil War began, and its magazine, office, and armorer's shop passed to Confederate hands after Gen. David E. Twiggs surrendered federal property to state forces in 1861. Serving as a supply depot for both sides in turn, it was reoccupied by federal troops in 1865 and expanded steadily thereafter, becoming a central supply point for the Southwest. By 1920 it had grown to forty-four buildings, and the Army deactivated the complex in 1947.
Why it matters
For nearly ninety years the San Antonio Arsenal armed and supplied troops across the Texas frontier and beyond, a fixture of American military logistics from the Civil War through two world wars.
Plan your visit
NearbyMake a day of it — museums, food, and places to stay near this marker.
Museums & culture
- Villa Finale0.2 mi away
- Steves Homestead Museum0.3 mi away
- San Antonio Art League Museum0.3 mi away · TX
- Villa Finale Visitor Center0.4 mi away
- Robert Hughes Gallery0.4 mi away
- Texas Highway Patrol Museum0.5 mi away · TX
Attractions
- Casa Navarro State Historical Site0.4 mi away
- La Villita0.6 mi away
- Yanaguana Garden0.6 mi away
- River boat boarding0.6 mi away
- River boat boarding0.6 mi away
- Tower of the Americas0.8 mi away · 739 East César E. Chávez Boulevard, San Antonio, TX
Food & drink
- The Original Mexican Restaurant0.7 mi away
- McDonald's0.7 mi away · 101 Alamo Plaza, San Antonio, TX
- Cafe Ole0.7 mi away
- Saltgrass Steak House0.7 mi away
- Agave Bar0.7 mi away
- Lone Star Cafe0.7 mi away
Places to stay
- The Westin Riverwalk, San Antonio0.6 mi away · 420 West Market Street, San Antonio
- Hotel Contessa0.6 mi away · 306 West Market Street
- Mokara Hotel and Spa0.6 mi away · 212 West Crockett Street, San Antonio, TX
- Hilton Palacio del Rio0.6 mi away
- The Monarch San Antonio0.7 mi away
- Holiday Inn Riverwalk0.7 mi away · 217 North Saint Mary's Street, San Antonio, TX
Places data © OpenStreetMap contributors. Hours and details change — call ahead.
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Related people
- · R. H. K. Whiteley
- · David E. Twiggs
- · Ben McCulloch
Related events
- · Civil War
- · World War I
Themes & tags
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