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Bexar Heritage
Bexar Heritage is a community-driven approach and set of programs that identifies unique natural, cultural and historical heritage and values of Bexar County, Texas. The program develops tools to conserve and be good stewards of these resources and maximize the economic benefits of them, through public-private partnerships.
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Historical Marker Minute
Learn more about the Acequia Madre de Valero and how it supported Bexar County communities!
View the Historical Marker Videos
Revolutionary Legacies: Miguel Hidalgo, Mexico's Independence
and the Impact on Texas
Lecturer: Historian Miguel Garcia Audelo
Hidden Histories of Resilient Women in Our Community
Tricentennial Chronology & Events
View the Tricentennial Chronology And The Founding Events In The History of San Antonio And Bexar County
Welcome to the Bexar Heritage Center!Located within the historic Bexar County Courthouse, this new 6,500 exhibit space aims to educate visitors on the history and accomplishments of the County, through an entertaining array of interactive dioramas.
Explore Bexar Heritage Center
Introducing Hot Wells of Bexar CountyVisit our Hot Wells of Bexar County website to see our newest video tour, historic facts, and more!
Explore Hot Wells Now
Historic Bexar County
There are many historic assets in Bexar County which can be found on the County's interactive maps. These include historic buildings, cemeteries markers, bridges, and more:
- Visit the interactive Heritage Assets Map to explore Bexar County's history.
- Download the Guide to Historical Markers of Bexar County (PDF)
In addition to historical locations, "The Seeds of Texas" is an interactive exploration of Bexar County's history to better acquaint the public with the community's long and rich history through a mapping interface known as Story Maps.
Bexar County Historical Commission
Each County in the State has a Commission, whose members are appointed by Commissioners Court. The County Historical Commission plays a significant role in identifying and managing historic resources countywide, and serves as a clearinghouse for official historic markers sanctioned by Texas Historical Commission. More information on the Bexar County Historical Commission can be found by visiting the Bexar County Historical Commission website.
Mission
The Bexar Heritage is a community-driven approach and set of programs that identify the unique natural, cultural, and historical heritage and values of Bexar County, Texas. Visitors will experience an in-depth tour that celebrates Bexar County’s rich history through exhibits with interactive panels, children's activities, and videos and provide a better understanding of County government function and its involvement in our communities.
- Collect, preserve, interpret, and display objects of artistic, cultural, or scientific significance to Bexar County.
- Provide San Antonio tourists and Bexar County residents the opportunity to discover the rich history and diverse stories of Bexar County.
- Organize a partnership group to complete a feasibility study required to establish a National Heritage Area.
- Present programs, events, lectures, and exhibitions that further interpret Bexar County’s past, present, and future.
- Build connections and curate tours with special interest groups: military, historians, university students, and senior citizens.
- Reinforce Texas essential knowledge and skills standards for fourth and seventh-grade students during field trips.
- How do you pronounce Bexar County?
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Bexar (now colloquially pronounced "Bear") County. A common mispronunciation is “BEX-AR”
- Is the cannon on display real?
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Although very realistic looking, the cannon displayed inside the Bexar Heritage Center is just a replica cannon, inspired by various elements of cannons used during the numerous battles that occurred in Bexar County.
- Are the UNESCO world heritage missions within walking distance?
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There are four southern missions and the Alamo. The Alamo is within walking distance. Mission Concepción is the closest southern mission to the Bexar Heritage Center and is located about 2.6 miles from the Bexar Heritage Center. We do suggest transportation. Mission San Jose is the largest of the UNESCO World Heritage missions.
- Is the Bexar Heritage Center Child Friendly?
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The Bexar Heritage Center is accommodating to everyone.
- Are Photos Allowed Inside The Bexar Heritage Center?
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Yes! Photos are encouraged.
- Are there bathrooms located inside The Bexar Heritage Center?
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Although there aren’t bathrooms located inside the Center, bathrooms are easily accessible thru the 1st floor hallway connected to The Bexar County Courthouse.
Plaza Postcard
Early Courthouse
“Camp of the Lipans” by Theodore Gentilz
“Camp of the Lipans” shows the lifestyle of early Native Americans in Bexar County.
Casa Reales by W.G.M. Samuel (1731)
East Side of Main Plaza by W.G.M. Samuel, showing Casa Reales, the first Bexar County Courthouse
Courthouse Drawing (left)
Courthouse in black and white, ca. 1939 (top right)
Hanging stunt from courthouse balcony (bottom right)
Courthouse Postcards, ca. 1908
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Physical Address
100 Dolorosa, Suite 110
San Antonio, TX 78205
Phone: 210-335-6637
Monday - Friday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Closed on County Holidays