Government Hill

Government Hill

Government Hill's History

The Government Hill neighborhood is one of the oldest existing neighborhoods in San Antonio and its history has always been intricantly linked with that of Fort Sam Houston.
In 1807, a donation of 40 acres was made to the U.S. Government of land owned by the St. Mary's College, Southern School and Thomas J. Devine. The tract was located "at the place where the Government corral is at present. The site became unofficially known as Government Hill.
The city of San Antonio made another donation of 40 acres of land purchased from A.M. Dignowity and the estate of H. Polley. Before construction of the government buildings began, the site was visited by General Ord who deemed it unacceptable because of its high elevation and distance from water sources. In 1875, the city made a third donation of land, bringing the total to about 93 acres.
Construction on the Quadrangle at Fort Sam Houston began in 1876, and the Quartermaster Department moved into its new quarters in 1879. In 1881, construction began on the fifteen sets of permanent officers' quarters, known as the Staff Post, and in 1882-83, the Army purchased more land in order to construct the barracks and additional officers' quarters.
With the construction of living quarters for more of the army personnel, residential development in Government Hill began. Established in 1883, St. Paul's Episcopal Church served as a chapel for the soldiers of Fort Sam Houston. Edwin Terrell, former US ambassador to Belgium, built Terrell Castle in 1894 and General John L. Bullis built the Bullis House just after the turn of the century. The original Incarnate Word Academy for Young Women and the original Texas Military Academy were located in the neighborhood, along with many saloons and entertainment establishments such as Muth's Gardens. While some of these landmarks are now gone, this does not detour from Government Hill's unique and interesting history. Through our neighborhood Association, steps are continuously taken to ensure our neighborhood is preserved for future generations to enjoy.

Email us
govhillalliance@yahoo.com

About our association

GHA Neighborhood Association Works to Preserve Neighborhood

In 1989, a group of residents and property owners created the Government Hill Alliance Neighborhood Association and began working with the city in the early 1990's to have the area designated as a historic district. In 2001, the San Antonio City Council voted to designate the central portion of Government Hill as a historic district, thereby preserving its history for future generations. GHA continues to work with the city, the county and various other groups throughout the area to improve the quality of life for Government Hill residents. It is our goal to continue to preserve this community's unique historic past and to attract new residents and businesses to our community that share our mission to make the most of our historic neighborhood.

Meetings and Community Projects

The members and Directors meet the 4th Tuesday of every month, usually at 7:00 p.m. at St Patrick's Community Ctr on 1114 Willow St. We discuss upcoming events, issues concerning our neighborhood and it gives our members and residents a venue to voice concerns they may have.
We also conduct community events such as a home and business tour during Christmas called "Christmas on the Hill" tour. At least twice a year, GHA will host a rummage sale at Pig Stand located on Broadyway and we also host a Dial a Trailer about three times a year. These two events allow out residents a unique way to rid their house and yard of unwanted items. If it does'nt sell at the rummage, you can throw it away at the Dial a Trailer.

Our Mailing Address

The official address for Government Hill Alliance is:
PO Box 8133
San Antonio, TX 78208

Email us
govhillalliance@yahoo.com