San Antonio, Bexar County
Old San Pedro Springs--near this site--noted camping spot 5 miles from city. Used by U.S. Army, Mexican War, 1846-48. Often scene of summer picnics and political speeches, 1850's. On surrender to confederate Texas of all federal troops in state, it was site of prisoner of war camp for a short time. For Quarters, prisoners built dugouts and brush arbors. Later, campsite for confederate soldiers moving toward western frontier, for troops of Arizona-New Mexico campaign, for units coming from the Rio Grande to new assignments, and for raw recruits in camps of instruction.