King William District

Imagine San Antonio without the River Walk. Without the Tower of the Americas. Without the bustling business that fills this modern metropolis.
It is the late 1800s. Texas is still a new frontier, gaining statehood after its years as a territory of Mexico and an independent republic. After years of subsistence on a rugged frontier, San Antonio residents are finally ready for comforts, culture, and a community spirit that emphasized education, music, and the language of their homeland.

With these goals, the King William district began. Started by the founder of a utopian community located in the Texas Hill Country, this elegant neighborhood on the banks of the San Antonio River soon became the home of the city's German community. Here merchants built the city's grandest homes, and this became the preferred address in the Alamo City.

Many of these frontier citizens were immigrants with names like Guenther, Wulff, and Heusinger. With their wealth gained in merchandising and investing, they set about building the most lavish homes in the city, most in the grand Victorian style.

Today, these early homes still stand beneath majestic oak trees, many just minutes from the San Antonio River. For visitors looking for a romantic getaway in San Antonio, a place to enjoy historic elegance in a quiet neighborhood that's within easy walking distance to the city's best shopping and dining, King William is an ideal destination. Tucked in the quiet neighborhood, this area is home to numerous B&B establishments. Ranging from country comfort to ante-bellum elegance, there's a B&B for every taste.
Enjoy an overview of this 37-block area with a walking tour. At the San Antonio Conservation Society (107 King William) pick up a free brochure. It will lead you past grand mansions built in Neoclassical, Greek Revival, and Queen Anne styles.

One of the most opulent of these residences was the Steves Homestead (509 King William St.), positioned right on the banks of the river. Besides a natatorium and a carriage house, the home also boasted the finest furnishings and detail work of its era. Today it's open for public tours, as is the Guenther House (205 E. Guenther) next to Pioneer Flour Mills. Built in 1860, this was the home of Carl Hilmar Guenther, founder of Pioneer Flour Mills. With its crystal chandelier, gold leaf mirrors, and piano from Stuttgart, Germany, the parlor offers a lovely glimpse of the elegance once enjoyed by the Guenther family. The home's library is now a museum, displaying pieces used by Pioneer Flour throughout the years, from Dresden china anniversary plates to cookie cutters and family photos.

The San Antonio River Mill Store is housed in the former music room and bedroom, and visitors can purchase stoneware, baking accessories, and gift items here. Finally, the Guenther House Restaurant, decorated in the Art Nouveau style, serves breakfast, lunch, and Sunday brunch. The old mill still churns out some of the best flour gravy mix found on grocery shelves, along with cornbread, pancake, and similar mixes.

But the best way to enjoy the homes of this neighborhood is as a guest. Try the Ogé House (209 Washington). One of the most elegant B&Bs in town, this 1857 three-story plantation-style home has king and queen rooms filled with antiques. Located directly on the Paseo del Rio, this lovely spot is just minutes away from restaurants and shopping.

You'll also find an authentic historic atmosphere at the Beckmann Inn and Carriage House (222 E. Guenther St.). This beautiful home dates back to 1886 when it was built for the daughter of the Guenther flour mill family. Originally this home's address was on Madison Street, but in 1913 the owners decided to extend the front porch around the house on the Guenther Street side. They wanted a new street address, one not shared by a notorious brothel also located on Madison Street at the time! Today this Victorian inn has four guest rooms, each with private baths, and also an adjacent Carriage House with a private entrance.

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