King William National Historic District

In the mid-1800's, many of San Antonio's original Canary Island and German immigrant families were the wealthiest scions of commerce and area ranching, and determined that the area immediately south of downtown would be the perfect area for their very elegant and impressive family homes.  It was subdivided and the streets laid out, with future plans being that the city would inevitably grow to the south along the broad King Wilhelm Avenue.   A young German merchant named Guenther purchased a large tract and built his home as well as his business, Pioneer Flour Mill, on King Wilhelm Avenue, at what is now the southernmost border of the King William Historic District.  His enterprise effectively blocked the southward march of the more affluent properties and southward city growth.  However, many German immigrants continued to settle in the immediate area, and it also became known as 'Sauerkraut Bend.'  Alongside the large elegant homes are many smaller, but very nice, homes, known as 'Sunday Houses' that were the 'weekend' homes of the ranching families who owned large spreads outside the city, and who would bring the family into town for shopping trips and social events.

In the early 1900's, the elegant area began to deteroriate as original residents died, and the younger members of the old families had to go north of town to find land in the areas of Monte Vista, Terrell Hills, Olmos Park and Alamo Heights.  During the '30's and war years of the '40's, the area declined dramatically, with many of the fine structures being converted (chopped up) into apartments and the interior character of the structures badly insulted.  However in the 1950's, several members of some of the original families became interested in restoration of the individual properties, as well as the area.  The interest in preservation and restoration (always a San Antonio trait) became fashionable, as did the area.  Immediately prior to Hemisfair 1968 (the World's Fair), the King William District was designated the first Historic Neighborhood District in Texas.

King Wilhelm Avenue became Pershing Avenue during World War I, then was changed (anglicized) to King William Avenue after the war.  The architecture of the area is almost unique -- a blend of New Orleans, Victorian, Colonial, Federalist and Texas Ranch (some homes having some representation of all!), and has inspired homes all around South Texas.  Because of its immediate proximity to the business district and the county court house, as well as the numerous wonderful historic homes, the King William District is one of the most desirable neighborhoods in the city of San Antonio.