Historical Monte Vista

This history of Monte Vista and the current condition of this neighborhood is composed of legend, a dash of lore and has converged to what we have today...A wonderful area consisting of approximately 3,000 individuals all working together as best as can be expected to maintain the jewel of San Antonio...

Map of Monte Vista

Most of the properties in the neighborhood we constructed during what is called San Antonio's "Gilded Age" which ranged from 1890 to 1930.  This is recognized as the most extensive and intact neighborhood of this era in Texas...The neighborhood received national landmark status on December 10, 1988 and has been listed on the National Register of Historical Places...

Monte Vista by Donald E. Everett

One reason for the district's ability to survive the urban decay that destroyed such neighborhoods elsewhere is suggested in the exhaustive National Register nomination form, prepared by Maria Watson Pfeiffer:

The neighborhood's resilience was at least partially attributable to the wide variety of housing stock - eclectic in its range of sizes, materials and designs (and therefore prices) found in the area's numerous subdivisions, each built for a different segment of the homebuying public. Wealthy ranchers lived in close proximity to modest schoolteachers, each in houses designed and constructed by noted architects and builders.


The resulting array of architectural styles summarizes a booming period in San Antonio's history when popular national design trends influenced local tastes.


The strength of the neighorhood comes not only from those who call it home but also from the variety of styles of housing to include an attractive mix of Queen Anne, Hollywood bungalow, Georgian, Moorish and Victorian era architecture that gives Monte Vista its unique feel.


Should you have further questions or want more information about this or other historical neighborhoods Inside410, contact me via e-mail.