Bowen's Island
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E X A R C O U N T Y |
Marker Text: This tract of land is a natural peninsula in the San Antonio River. It once was bounded by the river on three sides and on the fourth by the Concepcion Acequia. In 1845 John Bowen, a native of Philadelphia, bought the property from Maria Josefa Rodriguez De Yturri for $300. Bowen and his wife, Mary Elizabeth, built a seven-room home on the island for their family of six children. Here they planted fruit trees and grapevines. On the east bank of the river, they built a waterwheel to irrigate their truck farm.
During the 1840s and 1850s John Bowen served San Antonio as United States postmaster and city treasurer. He was a staunch unionist and according to family tradition, protected fugitive slaves. John Bowen died on the island in 1867 and was buried here. Bowen's island was a well-known garden spot and a popular setting for social gatherings and celebrations. Here the first Volksfest was held , and the Turnverein, a German athletic club, performed during the 1870s it was the site of Wolfram's central garden, a pleasure resort. Mary Elizabeth Bowen died in 1903, during the 1920s the river was diverted, and Bowen's Island became part of the San Antonio mainland. (1985) (Marker No. 474) |
Marker No: 474
Auminum 27 x 42 Subject Marker
Geographic: 29.423286,-98.490845
Location: North Side of Tower life building, River level, St. Mary's & La Villita Streets , San Antonio