“A building that’s an historian’s dream.” That’s how one person described The Argyle Plaque, and I must agree. This plaque marks more than just a spot. It tells a story of San Antonio’s rich history.
The Argyle Plaque commemorates the Argyle, the oldest surviving structure in Alamo Heights. It stands on a hill overlooking San Antonio. The plaque designates The Argyle as a Texas historical landmark.
Let’s dive into The Argyle’s fascinating past. Charles Anderson built it in 1859. It served as the headquarters for his 1400-acre horse ranch. Anderson sold it to poet Hiram McLane. McLane lived there for 30 years. In 1890, a subdivider named the mansion for Argyllshire, Scotland.
The O’Grady family acquired The Argyle in 1893. They transformed it into a place famous for hospitality and food. The classic “Argyle Cookbook” was published in 1940. The Argyle became known for its fine cuisine. Alice O’Grady brought a creative interest in cooking. Her tiered wedding cakes were famous.
The Argyle’s story includes a chapter as an arsenal during the Civil War. It even hosted Robert E. Lee. Today, The Argyle is a private club. It supports the Texas Biomedical Research Institute. It serves as a bond between the institution and its donors.
The Argyle evolved into what it is today. It is thanks to Miss Alice O’Grady’s vision. The building supports medical research. It contributes to the fight against diseases. These diseases include cancer and heart disease.
Jan Morris, a British travel writer, visited The Argyle in 1983. She described it as a Calcutta-like club. It had a great white portico among palm trees. The Argyle’s Southern Colonial style features 18-inch thick rock walls. It also has high ceilings and spacious verandas.
Anderson opposed Texas secession from the Union. He delivered a speech for the Union in Alamo Plaza. Friends helped him escape an angry crowd. He moved to Mexico and later joined the Union Army. After the war, he served as governor of Ohio and Kentucky.
Confederate troops used the ranch as a temporary arsenal. The McLane family raised fine horses. Their Circle Dot-branded mounts became famous.
The Chamberlain Investment Company bought the property in 1890. W. J. S. Patterson laid out a residential area. Some say he named The Argyle after Argylesville in Scotland. The O’Grady family operated a stage station and inn in Boerne. On St. Patrick’s Day, 1893, they opened The Argyle.
The Argyle became famous for its warm hospitality. It featured antique silver and fine china. Carved wooden chests and canopied beds created a colonial atmosphere. In 1924, it was the setting for the silent motion picture, “The Warrens of Virginia.”
The Argyle’s legacy continues. It honors the past. It also changes the future through philanthropic investments.
As you stand before The Argyle Plaque, remember its story. It is a story of transformation. It is a story of hospitality. It is a story of dedication to research and progress.