When in San Antonio, I seldom fail to take breakfast or lunch in the historic Menger Hotel. Or grab a beer in its smoky barroom. Built in 1859, the Menger was there just in time for the Civil War.
On April 9, 1865, Confederate General Robert E. Lee surrendered and the entire Trans-Mississippi west of Arkansas, Louisiana and Texas was thrown into chaos. Those Confederate armies hadn’t surrendered. What should they do? Confused, they dithered; commands crumpled, desertions were frequent, armies collapsing. Gangs of deserters plundered the area, virtually unopposed.
General Jo Shelby made up his mind. He would not surrender. He would go to Mexico. He marched his command out of Arkansas, through east Texas, constantly fighting brigands who had recently been comrades-in-arms.
San Antonio, Texas’s largest city, was right in his path. On June 16, 1865, when Shelby camped nearby, San Antonio’s mayor approached and asked him to restore order there. Shelby’s troops “scoured San Antonio’s bars, boardinghouses and whorehouses, rousting the troublemakers, and drove them from town.”
In the fashionable Menger Hotel Shelby found a number eminent visitors, Confederate generals, judges, legislators, driven to this sanctuary by approaching Yankee armies. The Menger was the final refuge for many, including Texas Governor Murrah who decided to accompany Shelby down from Austin. From the Menger, Shelby planned his escape to Mexico.
From his second-story balcony, Jo Shelby observed the arrival of an old man in tattered clothing, white with road dust. He registered under the name of “William Thompson.” Shelby recognized him; he was General Edmund Kirby Smith, who was in charge of all Trans-Mississippi Confederate armies. The roll call was nearly complete.
A week later, on June 25, a large part of the core Confederate leadership, along with Governor Murrah and others, left the Menger and set out for Eagle Pass and Mexico. Under the protection of General Jo Shelby, the youngest and boldest among them.
And the Menger - was it ready for the cattle drives soon to come? Or - Teddy Roosevelt?
(I'm reading General Jo Shelby's March by Anthony Arthur).
Dac Crossley
May 1, 2010
"The weed of crime bears bitter fruit." - LaMont Cranston.
This is fascinating stuff. I did not know the Menger had been a refuge for Confederates in Texas. I've stayed in the Menger, and when we visit down there--rarely, anymore--we like to stroll through the lobby and just sit around.
I'll look forward to the next post about the Menger's colorful past. Celia
Posted by: Celia Yeary | May 01, 2011 at 01:56 PM
I always love your blog, Dac.
Posted by: Janice Pulliam | May 01, 2011 at 01:17 PM
Dac, Also, recall that Capt. Richard King died at the Menger Hotel on April 14, 1885. On the 15th of April, his funeral services were held in the parlors of the Menger. Capt. King was buried in San Antonio. Larry
Posted by: Lauro F. Cavazos | May 01, 2011 at 01:02 PM