San Antonio: Military Plaza

During the Texas Revolution, San Antonio was the site of several key battles, including the Siege of Béxar and the famous Battle of the Alamo. At the time, Military Plaza was an open training ground where troops assembled and drilled in formation. It was also the scene of a momentous transfer of power at the conclusion of the Texas Revolution in 1836.

After Mexican dictator Santa Anna had triumphed at the Siege of the Alamo in March of 1836, Mexico firmly controlled the city. Even after the decisive Texian victory at San Jacinto in April, the Mexicans continued to occupy it. Not until June did the Béxar garrison actually surrender.

Fittingly, the person to accept the Mexican surrender was Juan Seguín, a Tejano born in San Antonio - now the city’s highest military commander.

Military Plaza offers the modern visitor the chance to experience a wide variety of architectural styles covering more than 200 years. Many of the original buildings are now restaurants, banks, and government offices. The historic plaza, just a short distance from the Riverwalk, is still a thriving center of life in San Antonio, a popular destination with natives and tourists alike.