Since early 1800, many prominent Texans have labored on this beloved Estate. But, before anyone built buildings, being the highest land in the area, the Native Americans used it for ceremonial grounds. Then the paper trail: Originally belonging to Maria Trinidad Guerrero; Then granted in 1832 to Manuel Tarin Leal for his military services (Spanish Land Grant), his family sold to Francois Giraud.
Giraud was a city surveyor, architect of the old Ursuline Academy and of the Gothic portion of San Fernando Cathedral as well as a Mayor of the City of San Antonio. The property transferred from Giraud to local tax assessor and rancher WILLIAM H. JACKSON in 1853 who created a ranch with his 636 hectares. The San Antonio Conservation Society could not find a deed of sale for this transaction, so it is believed the property changed hands via a card game! Jackson also put a Stagecoach Stop on the property which he called “The Watering Hole”. You see, Interstate 10 was ‘Overland Pass’, the thoroughfare for stagecoaches across the country. I10 is not far from the Jackson Ranch. Al Drake and his wife, Alamo Heights socialite, Lanier Halstom-Drake, purchased the property in 1915. They turned the Jackson Ranch home into one of lavish style similar to that of the McNay Museum. Lanier Halstom was a friend of Marion Koogler McNay, who supported the arts and housed visiting aritists. When Diego Rivera had his shows in San Antonio in the 30’s, Marion Koogler had no room for he and his wife. So, Diego and Frida stayed at the Jackson Ranch! Passing through the hands of a few more with minor changes; One of the most recent owners vacated the property, leaving it abandoned for several years. The current owner has registered the property as a Historic Landmark. The property boasts a large Chakra Garden with pathways through-out and is utilized as a film studio, Dream Sets SA, for weddings, art shows, concerts, board meetings, and more, all shared with the community on a donation basis, to help keep this historic gem intact! Great News!! The Jackson Ranch will soon be a “GREEN” establishment! In 2016, these changes are taking place: water-catchment roofs, grey water usage, and solar power installation! Have you gone green, to leave a heritage of a clean environment for the future of all living things on this planet? If not, please look into it. It is not as costly as you imagine! Many government incentives are available to help you! So get right on it. Give us a shout if you have questions or need assisitance! Read what the San Antonio Express News has to say about The Jackson Ranch: http://www.mysanantonio.com/life/home_and_garden/article/Spaces-Finding-a-place-in-history-4395011.php -4375041
