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.

  1. Historical Marker Minute

    Marker Minute: Acequia Madre de Valero
    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

Welcome to the Bexar Heritage Center!Heritage Center Slider Opens in new windowLocated 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 CountyHot Wells Logo Opens in new windowVisit 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:

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.

Plaza Postcard

Plaza Postcard

Early Courthouse

Early Courthouse

Camp of the Lipans

“Camp of the Lipans” by Theodore Gentilz

“Camp of the Lipans” shows the lifestyle of early Native Americans in Bexar County.

Casa Reales

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, Courthouse in black and white, ca. 1939, and Hanging Stunt from Courthouse

Courthouse Drawing (left)
Courthouse in black and white, ca. 1939 (top right)
Hanging stunt from courthouse balcony (bottom right)

Courthouse Postcards, ca. 1908

Courthouse Postcards, ca. 1908