San Antonio Conservation Society

Education & Tours - Historical Site Visits

Edward Steves Homestead
San Antonio
Conservation Society
Foundation Property and House Museum

OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
10:00 AM to 4:15 daily
(last tour begins at 3:30)
$6.00 adults; children under 12 free

Please call regarding discounts offered to seniors, military, groups, schools, and San Antonio Conservation Society members.

Free Parking on Site

MAP to the Steves Homestead

509 King William
78204

210-225-5924 (phone)

210-223-9014 (fax)

Please contact Diana L. Chenoweth, House Museum Manager dchenoweth@saconservation.org with any questions.

This elegant three-story mansion, located in the King William Historic District on the east bank of the San Antonio River, was built in 1876 for Edward Steves, founder of the Steves Lumber Company. Alfred Giles, prominent San Antonio architect, is thought to be the designer of the ashlar limestone structure which features a concave mansard roof with decorative iron cresting and exhibits characteristic of the French Second Empire and the Italian Villa styles.

In 1952, the property was donated to the San Antonio Conservation Society by Mr. and Mrs. Curtis Vaughan in memory of her grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Edward Steves, and her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Albert Steves. The Steves Homestead has been maintained since 1954 as a historic house museum.

The River House, a one-story brick structure located at the rear of the Steves Homestead property, housed one of the early natatoriums, or inside swimming pools, in San Antonio. The pool was brick-lined and filled by an artesian well located on the property. Local tradition relates that Mrs. Steves swam every day at two o'clock no matter what the weather. Flooring has been laid over the pool, and the interior has been modified to provide a meeting room for Society and Foundation activities.

Photo: The Steves Carriage House by Susan Ives

The Steves Carriage House was built in 1875. This two-story frame and stone building was used for storage during the construction of the Steves Homestead. Restoration of the building was started in August, 1976 and completed in November, 1977, with a matching grant from the U.S. Department of Interior administered by the Texas Historical Commission.
The Servants Quarters/Visitor Center, part of the original Steves Homestead Complex, was built around 1877. This building housed the gardener and the stable boy who worked for the Steves. It was restored in 1983-84 with the help of a grant from the Texas Historical Commission. The Servants Quarters is now being used as a Visitors Center, where tickets are sold and tours originate.

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