San Antonio Municipal Archives & Records MARC City of San Antonio

Overview

The San Antonio Municipal Archives & Records (MARC) is the official archival repository of the City of San Antonio, Texas, and a division of the Office of the City Clerk. MARC preserves, arranges, describes, and provides access to archival materials documenting the history and government of San Antonio from the 18th century to the present. The archive is accessible by appointment only and also maintains an extensive digital collections portal.

History and Founding

San Antonio is one of the oldest cities in the United States with continuous governmental records, and MARC's holdings reflect this deep history. Among the most significant records in the collection are governmental meeting records from Bejar dating to the 1770s, making them among the earliest official documents in Texas history. The Office of the City Clerk assumed responsibility for the city's archival function, and MARC has grown to encompass over 300 separate collections from city government bodies.

Collections and Holdings

MARC holds over 300 collections of city government records including printed materials, audio/visual materials, electronic records, gifts presented to the city, maps, and photographs. Notable holdings include the first governmental meeting records from Bejar (1770s), architectural plans for the Alamo, an 1895 letter from Mexican President Porfirio Díaz, and one of the oldest surviving maps of San Antonio. Digital collections include City Council approved ordinances, resolutions, city maps, plat maps, and new city block tax maps (NCBs) searchable through the city's online portal.

Access and Usage

Physical research requires an advance appointment, which may be arranged by email at cityclerkarchives@sanantonio.gov or by phone at 210-207-6000. The digital collection is freely accessible online. The facility is located at 719 S. Santa Rosa Ave., San Antonio, TX 78204.