Menger Hotel, San Antonio

The Menger Hotel, located at the heart of Alamo Plaza in San Antonio, stands as a storied landmark on the grounds of the Battle of the Alamo. This historic site became the stage for a remarkable transformation in 1858 when William and Mary Menger commissioned architect John M. Fries and contractor J. H. Kampmann to construct a two-story, 50-room hotel. By February 1859, the Menger Hotel opened its doors to great acclaim, becoming an overnight sensation in a city where lodging options were once limited to humble boarding houses and breweries.

William Menger’s vision for the hotel stemmed from the success of his German brewery, established in 1855 on the Alamo battlegrounds. The hotel quickly became a hub of activity and a pivotal part of the legendary Chisholm Trail during San Antonio’s cattle boom 1859. Cattle drovers flocked to the city to restock supplies, and The Menger offered not just accommodation but a meeting place for cattle barons and traders. Today, a Chisholm Trail marker in the hotel’s courtyard serves as a nod to this vibrant chapter of history.

Over the decades, the Menger Hotel has hosted a dazzling array of notable figures, including U.S. presidents from Ulysses S. Grant to Bill Clinton, military heroes like Sam Houston and Robert E. Lee, and cultural icons such as Oscar Wilde. Its legacy as a crossroads for influential personalities is matched only by its reputation for the supernatural. Dubbed “The Most Haunted Hotel in Texas,” the Menger is said to be home to 32 spirits, including Richard King, of the famous King Ranch, and Sallie White, a maid tragically murdered on the premises.

Rich in history and steeped in lore, the Menger Hotel remains a symbol of San Antonio’s past and present, blending its historic significance with modern charm. Whether drawn by its role in Texan history, its roster of illustrious guests, or its paranormal allure, visitors to the Menger find themselves immersed in a tapestry of stories that span over 160 years.