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George Edward Holmgreen (1822-1899) migrated from his native Prussia to this country with his wife Bertha. From Florida, he made his way in the early 1870s to San Antonio. Holmgreen soon became the owner of Schuhle and Nixon Alamo Iron Works. The company made iron and brass castings and forged wrought iron railings and other parts needed in the early days of this frontier town. In 1884 the company moved from the corner of Market and Presa Streets on the San Antonio River to this location which was outside the city. A trail had to be cleared through mesquite brush to move the machinery. In the early days, muscles and steam engines were used to power the shops. Delivery was made by horsedrawn wagons. As products and services were needed by south Texas ranches and industries, the Alamo Iron Works secured or manufactured them. Where cast iron bridges and building components were once made, modern steels and alloys go into manufacturing. The company's present work force of more than 500 is represented by third and fourth generation employees. (1979) |
