South San Antonio: Uncovering the Lost History of a Forgotten Town

A once-independent community southwest of downtown San Antonio that was annexed in 1944 still holds remnants of its unique past.

Mar. 27, 2026 at 7:20am

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Five miles southwest of downtown San Antonio lies the remnants of a once-independent town known as South San Antonio, or 'South San.' Established around 1916, the area flourished as a stop along the Texas and New Orleans Railroad and was home to hundreds of residents, including many employees of nearby Duncan Field. Though the town was annexed by San Antonio in 1944, traces of its unique past remain visible today, including buildings along West Southcross Boulevard and local landmarks like the SAS General Store and Factory Outlet.

Why it matters

The annexation of South San Antonio reflects a common pattern of urban expansion in the 20th century, where smaller communities were absorbed into larger metropolitan areas. While the town's independent identity was lost, remnants of its history continue to shape the character of the neighborhood, offering a tangible connection to a distinct chapter in San Antonio's past.

The details

South San Antonio flourished as a stop along the Texas and New Orleans Railroad, growing to include a post office and hundreds of residents by 1919. In the 1920s and 1930s, the town served as a home for many employees of nearby Duncan Field, a division of Kelly Field. By the 1930s, the population of South San Antonio had reached 3,800, but in 1944, the town was annexed by San Antonio, becoming part of the larger city. Despite this, traces of its unique past remain visible today, including buildings along West Southcross Boulevard and local landmarks like the SAS General Store and Factory Outlet, which was established in 1976 and maintains a vintage aesthetic.

  • South San Antonio was promoted as a townsite around 1916.
  • By 1919, South San Antonio had grown to include a post office and hundreds of residents.
  • In the 1920s and 1930s, the town served as a home for many employees of nearby Duncan Field.
  • By the 1930s, the population of South San Antonio had reached 3,800.
  • South San Antonio was annexed by San Antonio in 1944.

The players

Texas and New Orleans Railroad

The railroad that South San Antonio was established as a stop along, contributing to the town's initial growth and population.

Duncan Field

A division of Kelly Field that was located near South San Antonio, and where many of the town's residents were employed in the 1920s and 1930s.

SAS General Store and Factory Outlet

A local landmark in South San Antonio that was established in 1976 and maintains a vintage aesthetic, offering a connection to the town's past.

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The takeaway

As San Antonio continues to evolve, these remaining vestiges of South San offer a tangible connection to a distinct chapter in the city's history, raising questions about what other forgotten communities might lie hidden within the fabric of modern cities, waiting to be rediscovered.