Imagine Carl Wilhelm August Groos arriving in Texas from Germany in 1848. He likely never envisioned that his name would adorn this plaque. The Carl Wilhelm August Groos House stands as a testament to his legacy.
This plaque marks the Carl Wilhelm August Groos House. It is located at 335 King William Street. The house represents a blend of Victorian and Gothic Revival architectural styles.
Carl Wilhelm August Groos was a founder of the Groos National Bank. He came to Texas in 1848. The house was designed by Alfred Giles and built by John H. Campmann in 1880. The Carl Wilhelm August Groos House showcases Victorian architecture. Look closely at the porch detailing. You will see Gothic Revival influences.
Groos lived here with his wife Hulda Moureau. Their descendants occupied the house until 1948. The limestone structure was acquired by the San Antonio area council of Girl Scouts, Inc. in 1957. It became a Recorded Texas Historic Landmark in 1977.
Carl Wilhelm August Groos and his brothers started a freighting firm. Later, he became a founding member of the Groos National Bank. His success allowed him to build this beautiful home.
The Carl Wilhelm August Groos House is part of the King William Historic District. This district is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The house contributes significantly to the district’s historical character.
Take a moment to appreciate the architecture. Notice the intricate iron detailing. Admire the Corinthian capitals on the covered porches. The blue-green columns add a unique touch.
The perimeter has a four-foot-high limestone wall. Ornamental iron fencing tops the wall. Twin limestone piers flank the iron gate. A stone-paved path leads through the front lawn. The lawn reflects Victorian principles. It emphasizes simplicity, structure, and order.
Live oaks and Texas sabal palms dot the lawn. The lawn is divided into four quadrants. A central walkway crosses another path. This leads to two small cul-de-sacs. A circular pool sits in the northern cul-de-sac. A sculptural fountain with a cherub graces the center.
The Carl Wilhelm August Groos House is a reminder of San Antonio’s rich history. It reflects the ambition and vision of early German immigrants like Groos. The Carl Wilhelm August Groos House stands as a symbol of perseverance. It is a landmark that connects us to the past.