Casa Navarro State Historic Site, a Texas Historical Commission property, is situated in the heart of old San Antonio, in what used to be a thriving Tejano neighborhood known as Laredito. The structures were acquired and restored by the San Antonio Conservation Society between 1960 and 1964, and the site was opened to the public in October 1964. The site was designated a Texas State Historic Landmark in 1962, and listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1972.
The original house complex was the residence of Texas patriot José Antonio Navarro (1795–1871). Navarro first bought the property, about 1.5 acres, in 1832. The limestone, caliche block and adobe structures were built circa 1832–1855, and Navarro moved onto the property soon after.
Today, visitors can tour Navarro’s one-story limestone house furnished with period antiques — a fine example of early-statehood domestic architecture — read copies of his writing and discuss questions of history with informed staff. There is also a two-story square store and office building, noted for its bold quoins, which anchor the edges of the building’s walls. The detached adobe and caliche block kitchen is typical of early Texas architecture with front and rear porches.