History
Tobin Hill’s history began with a portion of the city once known as the Old Main Association, started in 1731 and finished in 1798. In 1777, the Upper Labor Acequia irrigation canal was finished and located at the southern boundary of today’s Tobin Hill. Although public distribution of the land by lottery began in 1777, development didn’t begin until 1877, after Colonel Augustus Belknap bought the San Antonio Street Railway Company Stock granting a franchise for a “horse railroad” and built a route from Houston Street to San Pedro Springs Park.
As one of San Antonio’s metropolitan districts, Tobin Hill sits in the heart of The Alamo City’s most popular entertainment and lifestyle areas. Jaunt over to the iconic Pearl for farmer’s markets and enjoy an evening of jazz · Follow the River Walk to downtown SATX · Bike to Brackenridge Park.
Our Namesake
In 1883, William G. Tobin, father of Mayor John Tobin, purchased a home site on a hill on Maple Ave and one of San Antonio’s first suburbs was established. By 1925, “The Hill” was into its third generation of Tobins, more than 51 percent of Americans lived in suburbs, and the Progressive Era was revolting against Victorian excesses by building smaller, simpler cottages known as Craftsman or Bungalow Style.
Founding of THCA
Tobin Hill’s history began with a portion of the city once known as the Old Main Association, started in 1731 and finished in 1798. In 1777 the Upper Labor Acequia irrigation canal was finished and located at the southern boundary of today’s Tobin Hill. Although public distribution of the land by lottery began in 1777, development didn’t begin until 1877, after Colonel Augustus Belknap bought the San Antonio Street Railway Company Stock granting a franchise for a “horse railroad” and built a route from Houston Street to San Pedro Springs Park.