King William Historic District
The King William District, the first historic district in Texas listed in the National Register of Historic Places – was home to many German Texans. A walking tour features 14 sites within the district, including the historic bandstand, River Walk, flour mill, various bistros and restaurants, and, of course, mansions. Two of the district’s mansions – the opulent Villa Finale, and the beautifully restored, three-story Edward Steves Homestead – are open for self-guided tours. The grounds of the Steves Homestead include a carriage house, wash house, and former servants’ quarters converted to a visitors’ center.
Credit for the district’s revitalization belongs to preservationist Walter Nold Mathis, in part, whose final residence – Villa Finale – is the only Texas property of the National Trust for Historic Preservation.