Map and Directions
Directions:
From Houston: Travel west on IH 10 into San Antonio. Exit on US Hwy 281 N, then on IH 35 North. Exit immediately at exit 159A, N New Braunfels Ave, then turn left.
From Dallas/Austin: Travel South on IH 35 to the N New Braunfels Ave exit, Exit 159A. Turn right.
From Laredo: Travel north to San Antonio via IH 35. Just past downtown, exit on N New Braunfels Ave, then turn left.
In the picture below, the Alamo was used as a Quartermaster Depot by the US Army post at Fort Sam Houston. Today, it is Texas' number 1 Tourist destination.
A Brief History
A history of The Antonian can only begin with a history of Fort Sam Houston, one of the oldest continuously operating military instalaltions in the United States, operating since 1845.
The post was established at a time when the US Army established positions that enabled them to protect citizens from the hostile Native Americans. Over time, it grew to include it current missions, while being the site of many firsts.
For example, Ft. Sam is the birthplace of military aviation, started in 1910. Ft Sam also is the home of military medicine. Also, the famous Native American warrior Geronimo was held here briefly in 1886.
North New Braunfels Ave, the location of The Antonian, was (in pre-911 times) tha main entrance to the post. The post was open to non-military visitors, and welcomed tourists to it's many historic structures, museums, and points of interest. Such access is still available, but all visitors must first provide identification.
The neighborhood just outside this entrance was called Government Hill, and provided housing and commercial space for merchants who served the Army post. This neighborhood has recently received a designation as an historical landmark, and the homes and other structures are protected as a result. This neighborhood is under the process of "gentrification.
Geronimo's final surrender in 1886 was the last significant Indian guerrilla action in the United States. At the end, his group consisted of only 16 warriors, 12 women, and 6 children. Upon their surrender, Geronimo and over 300 of his fellow Chiricahuas were shipped to Fort Marion, Florida (with a briedf stay at Fort Sam Houston). One year later many of them were relocated to the Mt. Vernon barracks in Alabama, where about one quarter died from tuberculosis and other diseases. Geronimo died on Feb. 17, 1909, a prisoner of war, unable to return to his homeland. He was buried in the Apache cemetery at Fort Sill, Oklahoma.
Visitors can see the Quadrangle at Fort Sam where Geronimo and his warriors were held, just 2 blocks from The Antonian.