San Antonio de Bexar: A Guide and History Page: 4
vi, 166 p. : ill., maps, ports. ; 27 cm.View a full description of this book.
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SAN ANTONIO DE BEXAR.
routes. It also brings many eastern mails. It made its first appearance from the
north in this city February 16th, 1881. It has an electric city street car service-
Belknap system-color, orange; labelled City Hall, Plazas and all Hotels. The
International and Great Northern ticket office is on the corner of N. Alamo street
and Alamo Plaza.
THE SAN ANTONIO AND ARANSAS PASS RAILROAD familiarly " S. A. P."
" Our Railroad," the spoilt child of San Antonio, is an enterprise of which the city
may well be proud. Under the far-sighted policy of its able president, U.
Lott, who has a strongly developed prophetic instinct in him, this road is
destined to become an important system. At present, with upwards of 800
miles in operation, it does good service, firstly with Boerne and Kerrville
on the north, whence it is pushing a northwestern extension; secondly with
Corpus Christi and Rockport, and eventually deep water at Aransas, and the short
est route to the City of Mexico on the south ; thirdly with all that fertile grazing
and farming country lying between Kenedy and Houston, doing here an immense
cotton and cattle freighting business ; fourthly with Houston and Galveston east
fifthly with another rich mid-Texas district by an important branch to Waco.
Other branches are under construction and in contemplation. Mr. Lott's able
lieutenant is General Manager B. F. Yoakum. The first ground was broken for
this railroad in this city May 18th, 1885. It is identified with the interests of San
Antonio. The depot is in the southern suburbs. It is served by two car lines,
the red car coming to Alamo Plaza the yellow car serving through South Flores
street to the Military Plaza and North Flores street. The ticket office is in the
Kampmann building, on Main street.
Mallory Line of Steamers.-The pleasantest though not the shortest
route to New York, is by rail to Galveston, thence by one of the Mallory
steamers. This is a most delightful trip especially in the summer time.
Transfer.-Busses and transfer wagons meet every train incoming or out-
ward bound. The company is moderate in its charges for baggage or passengers,
and their servants are as a rule punctual and obliging.
Hacks and Carriages.-One of the peculiarities of San Antonio is an
immense hack traffic. It is a favorite mode of locomotion. The charges are not
high on account of the considerable competition. It is however always advisable
to have a perfect understanding with your Jehu beforehand as to his ultimate
charges, or in nine cases out of ten upon settlement you will harbor suspicions of
being over-reached. Many of the hacks are costly vehicles, and nearly all have
good stepping, strong horses. On the whole it does well to fall into the custom
of the place as to hacks. There are always plenty of them at train times at the
depots and the stands are conveniently placed on the Plazas and Houston street.
Hotels.-The Menger is the oldest and best hotel in the city. It is con-
spicuous on the eastern corner of Alamo Plaza, not far from the Alamo Church
building. The Menger was established in 1858, being opened January 31st, 1859.
It has been constantly added to until now its extensive buildings cover the
greater part of the block. It is in the hands of its proprietor, Mr. H. D. Kamp-
mann, and well managed by Mr. Browder. Its service and appointments are
first-class in every particular. The facade is prettily shaded by trees, and the
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Corner, William. San Antonio de Bexar: A Guide and History, book, 1890; San Antonio, Texas. (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth143549/m1/18/: accessed April 26, 2024), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu; crediting University of Texas Health Science Center Libraries.