Five miles southwest of downtown San Antonio lies a largely forgotten piece of the city’s history – the remnants of a once-independent town known as South San Antonio, or “South San.” Established around 1916, the area, now located near West Southcross Boulevard, New Laredo Highway, and Quintana Road, was a distinct community for nearly three decades.
A Railroad Town
South San Antonio flourished as a stop along the Texas and New Orleans Railroad. By 1919, it had grown to include a post office and hundreds of residents, according to the Texas State Historical Association. In the 1920s and 1930s, the town served as a home for many employees of nearby Duncan Field, a division of Kelly Field.
Annexation and Legacy
By the 1930s, the population of South San Antonio had reached 3,800. Though, in 1944, the town was annexed by San Antonio, becoming part of the larger city. Despite this, traces of its unique past remain visible today.
A Glimpse of the Past
Buildings along West Southcross Boulevard offer a glimpse into South San’s earlier days. Cuba 1918, a restaurant housed in a building dating back to 1918, was restored in 2022 and is considered an anchor in the Quintana Road corridor. A blog post details a time when residents commonly kept gardens and livestock, and the town boasted a 12-room school, Fleming, and a trolley system.
Following annexation and the end of World War II, South San Antonio continued to develop, adding businesses like a barbershop, drug store, and a Piggly Wiggly store. The SAS General Store and Factory Outlet, established in 1976, remains a local landmark with its vintage aesthetic.
Frequently Asked Questions
What year was South San Antonio founded?
South San Antonio was promoted as a townsite around 1916.
When did South San Antonio become part of San Antonio?
South San Antonio was annexed by San Antonio in 1944.
What was the significance of the Texas and New Orleans Railroad to South San Antonio?
South San Antonio was established as a stop along the Texas and New Orleans Railroad, which contributed to its initial growth and population.
As San Antonio continues to evolve, these remaining vestiges of South San offer a tangible connection to a distinct chapter in the city’s history. What other forgotten communities might lie hidden within the fabric of modern cities, waiting to be rediscovered?
Worth a look