The downtown La Villita Historic District reflects the Spanish, European and American influences that shaped San Antonio’s history. Once the site of a Coahuiltecan Indian village, La Villita subsequently thrived as a residential area filled with Mexican houses of stucco-covered brick or caliche block and German vernacular structures before the neighborhood deteriorated in the early 1900s. In 1939, La Villita was restored by the city, and it now houses shops, small businesses and restaurants.

Legend says that during the Texas Revolution, following his surprising defeat by Texian forces, Mexican General Martín Perfecto de Cos issued his formal surrendered at his home in what is now the La Villita Historic District. Today, visitors may pass by the Cos House and read an interpretive plaque while exploring neighboring sites that maintain San Antonio’s early history. The Cos House is also available for private events.

Watch our Texas Revolution: The 1835 Campaign video to learn more about the history of Texas Independence. This video was produced for inclusion in our Texas: Forged of Revolution mobile tour found in our Texas Time Travel Tours mobile app. Download the app for more videos and travel information: