Edward Steves Homestead Museum, built in 1876 (Library of Congress)
Edward Steves, 1873. Painted by Carl G. von Iwonski. (UTSA Special Collections Library)
Edward Steves’ old dwelling built by himself in 1856 on Cypress Creek in Kerr County. (UTSA Special Collections Library)
San Antonio River, Mill Bridge, 1907 (University of Houston Libraries)
Villa Finale, built by hardware merchant Russel C. Norton in 1876.
The King William District, the first historic district in Texas listed in the National Register of Historic Places – was home to many German Texans. A walking tour features 14 sites within the district, including the historic bandstand, River Walk, flour mill, various bistros and restaurants, and, of course, mansions. Two of the district’s mansions – the opulent Villa Finale, and the beautifully restored, three-story Edward Steves Homestead – are open for self-guided tours. The grounds of the Steves Homestead include a carriage house, wash house, and former servants’ quarters converted to a visitors’ center.
Credit for the district’s revitalization belongs to preservationist Walter Nold Mathis, in part, whose final residence – Villa Finale – is the only Texas property of the National Trust for Historic Preservation.
King William National Historic District
- South of downtown and bounded by Durango, South St. Mary’s, Eagleland and the San Antonio River, San Antonio, TX
- 210-227-8786
- Visit Website
- National Register of Historic Places
