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Petty House Plaque

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A simple plaque. Yet, the Petty House Plaque holds a story as grand as the house it adorns. Here at 10 10th Street in San Antonio, the Petty House Plaque commemorates not just a building, but a family, a business, and a piece of San Antonio’s transformation from frontier town to bustling city. The plaque tells the story of the house, built in 1895 by Mary Francis Drake. This area, known as Milam Bend, was once a collection of modest homes and vacant lots along the San Antonio River. Drake’s two-story Queen Anne home, with its asymmetrical facade, turret, and spindled balustrades, stood as a testament to the city’s growing prosperity. The Petty House Plaque also acknowledges the family who gave the house its name. Van Alvin Petty Sr. and his wife, Mary Cordelia Dabney Petty, purchased the home in 1901. Van, a prominent lumber businessman, orchestrated a significant renovation in 1910, transforming the house with Neoclassical features. Two-story Corinthian columns, a second-floor gallery, and a rear extension gave the house its current grandeur. The Petty House Plaque further highlights the building’s connection to the Veterans of Foreign Wars. In 1947, VFW Post 76, the largest and oldest in Texas, acquired the property. The Petty House has served as their headquarters ever since. Today, the Petty House stands as a recognized landmark, both by the City of San Antonio (2008) and the State of Texas (2017). The plaque serves as a reminder of its rich history, from its Queen Anne beginnings to its Neoclassical transformation. It’s a story of growth, adaptation, and service, mirroring the very spirit of San Antonio.

The story of Petty House Plaque in San Antonio is just one of many fascinating insights you can discover with Explory. To experience the city beyond its surface, you need more than just a map – you need a smart guide that reveals the background, the culture, and the character of each place. With Explory’s city guide, you can dive deeper into San Antonio and transform your visit into a unique city tour filled with stories that bring history and everyday life to light. Explory connects you with San Antonio in a new way. Our guide doesn’t just show you where to go – it enriches your journey with context and atmosphere. Through carefully designed routes and storytelling, you’ll uncover hidden gems and unexpected highlights that even locals might miss. The audio guide makes the city come alive, allowing you to listen while you walk and explore at your own pace. Our city guide is ideal for travelers who want more than sightseeing. Whether your interest is culture, architecture, or local traditions, Explory enables authentic exploration. Each city tour is flexible and intuitive, helping you experience San Antonio with freedom while still being guided by expert knowledge. By combining narrative, navigation, and discovery, Explory ensures your trip becomes an adventure filled with hidden gems and lasting impressions. Take the next step and download the Explory App today. Inside, you’ll find over 300 cities and more than 500,000 POIs and stories to explore. Whether you’re searching for a reliable guide, want to try an immersive audio guide, or plan a memorable city tour, Explory is your all-in-one companion. Begin your journey now and uncover the true essence of San Antonio – only with Explory.

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