San Antonio: Cos House at La Villita

Small adobe house next to a brick walkway and a sign saying La Villita
Sign saying Historic La Villita – Shop - Dine
Small adobe house on a brick walkway

La Villita Historic District

Tall obelisk with a statue of a man holding a rifle on top

Ben Milam Monument, Milam Park

Map of San Antonio in 1836 with description of the Siege of Béxar

Map of the Siege of Béxar (Texas State Library and Archives)

Sketch of General Martin Perfecto de Cos

General Martin Perfecto de Cos (Texas State Library and Archives)

Painting of a man holding a rifle and waving his hat with other men coming to meet him. Painting titled “Ben Milam Calling for Volunteers” by Henry McArdle

Ben Milam Calling for Volunteers, by Henry McArdle (General Land Office Alamo Collection)

Drawing of several men running, including one black man, with rifles behind an adobe building

Siege of Béxar (UTSA Special Collections Libraries)

Siege of Béxar (UTSA Special Collections Libraries)

Legend says that, following his surprising defeat by Texian forces, Mexican General Martín Perfecto de Cos issued his formal surrendered at this house.

Today, visitors to the La Villita Historic District may pass by the Cos House and read an interpretive plaque while exploring neighboring sites that maintain San Antonio’s early history. The Cos House is also available for private events.

About half a mile away, in Milam Park, lies the grave of Ben Milam – the old Kentucky soldier and adventurer who drew a line in the dirt and dared his fellow soldiers to join him in attacking General Cos’ army.

Cos House at La Villita

  • Hours: By reservation
  • 418 Villita St. Suite 901, San Antonio, TX
  • 210-207-8614
  • National Register of Historic Places
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