Fort Sam Houston, Historic district in San Antonio, United States.
Fort Sam Houston is an active military installation in the northeast part of San Antonio, Texas, known for its medical training and historic buildings. The compound stretches over several square kilometers and includes barracks yards, administrative buildings, residential areas for military families, and a large plaza called the Quadrangle with a prominent clock tower.
The installation was founded to support frontier posts in West Texas and was initially called the Quadrangle before being named for Sam Houston. Over the following decades, the facility grew into an important center for medical care during several wars and later received National Historic Landmark status.
The Texas-style barracks with broad verandas reflect the architectural influence of the region and are now home to soldiers and their families. Walking paths connect the different districts of the base, running through shaded parks where civilians and military personnel share everyday life.
Access to the grounds is only through guarded checkpoints, and visitors must present valid identification. The Quadrangle is open to the public on certain days, while the remaining areas of the base require special clearance.
The clock tower of the Quadrangle was originally built to conceal a water tower and also served as a lookout point for monitoring the grounds. The inner courtyard of the Quadrangle now houses tame deer that roam among visitors, offering an unusual encounter for a military facility.
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