Fort Sam Houston
Joint Base San Antonio (JBSA)- Fort Sam Houston Relocation Information
Photo from Joint Base San Antonio
Welcome to JBSA-Fort Sam Houston
Fort Sam Houston was originally designed to seek an aggressive peacekeeping policy along the U.S.-Mexican border. In 1886, Geronimo, Chief Natchez, and Apaches surrendered. The U.S. Army forces held them in the fort's Quadrangle complex for 40 days. In 1898, during the Spanish-American War, the fort became a rendezvous point for Col. Leonard Wood and Lt. Col. Theodore Roosevelt’s Rough Riders. In 1916, it supported Brig. Gen. John J. "Black Jack" Pershing’s efforts against Pancho Villa. A new season at Fort Sam Houston began when it housed the Army Air Corps and the Airborne Infantry.
Throughout its history, the fort continued to expand. It’s adapted over the years, shifting its mission and focus, but it has not forgotten where it started. On post, there are many historic buildings. These include The Quadrangle, The Pershing House, the Staff Post Commander’s house, the Artillery Post and Cavalry Post Barracks, and more.
The fort’s museum (more info below) is located within the Fort Sam Houston Quadrangle. The iconic centerpiece of the grounds is the Clock Tower, and peafowl and deer have roamed the landscape for more than 130 years.
In 2005, the BRAC (Base Realignment and Closure) Process made Fort Sam Houston part of Joint Base San Antonio (JBSA). This brought medical training for all branches of the military to one post. Joint Base San Antonio is a consolidation of Fort Sam Houston, Lackland AFB, and Randolph AFB.
Fort Sam Houston now serves as command headquarters for U.S. Army North and South, the Army Medical Command, the Army Medical Department Center and School, and other tenant units. Home of the prestigious Brooke Army Medical Center (BAMC), Fort Sam Houston has become the largest, most important military medical training facility in the world.
The San Antonio area is home to multiple military installations and includes the Air Force’s Basic Training and the Army, Navy, and Air Force’s Medical Education and Training Campus. Due to the presence of multiple military installations, the large retiree population, and the overall friendliness of the military in the area, it's commonly referred to as "Military City USA." San Antonio is the seventh largest city in the country.
The South Texas area is a vibrant location, combining Old West and Hispanic cultures. Many people know it as the home of the Alamo, but San Antonio is also a destination city featuring attractions like SeaWorld and Fiesta Texas. There are big city amenities like fine dining, museums, and professional sports (like the San Antonio Spurs). The laid-back lifestyle of the southern U.S. makes San Antonio one of the top areas in the nation for military retirees to settle.
Relocating to JBSA-Fort Sam Houston? Download our free guide to the area below!
Frequently Asked Questions About JBSA- Fort Sam Houston
1) Is Fort Sam Houston open to the public?
Those without a military ID, Department of Defense civilian or contractor ID, or those without an active base access pass must enter JBSA-Fort Sam Houston through the visitor access gate and comply with requirements for entrance.
Visitors may be interested in visiting the Fort Sam Houston Museum, which is located inside the Quadrangle. Non-military visitors must use the Walters Street entrance. Maps and self-guided tour information are available at the Quadrangle. The address is 1400 E. Grayson St.
2) In what county is Fort Sam Houston located?
JBSA-Fort Sam Houston is in Bexar County (pronounced "Bear"), Texas.
3) How many people are stationed at JBSA-Fort Sam Houston?
Fort Sam Houston is home to approximately 36,976 active duty and DoD civilians, 48,415 Family Members, and 76,580 retirees.
4) How many gates does Fort Sam Houston have?
Remember that gates and hours change occasionally, so check the base's website for updates.
Here’s a list of the current Fort Sam Houston gates and hours:
- BAMC Beach Gate: Monday-Friday, 6 a.m.-6 p.m.
- BAMC I-35 Commercial Gate: Monday-Friday, 6 a.m.-1 p.m.
- BAMC I-35: 24/7
- BAMC I-35 VCC: 24/7
- Harry Wurzbach East: 24/7
- Harry Wurzbach West: CLOSED
- Jadwin Commercial Gate: Monday-Friday, 6 a.m.-1 p.m.
- JBSA-Camp Bullis: 24/7
- New Braunfels Gate: Monday-Friday, 6 a.m.-8 a.m. (two lanes open for outbound only), 8 a.m.-6 p.m. (inbound and outbound)
- Quadrangle Pedestrian Portal: 24/7 for CAC holders
- Quadrangle Pedestrian Gate: CLOSED unless portal is inoperative
- Schofield: Monday-Friday, 6 a.m.-6 p.m.
- Walters Gate: 24/7
- Wilson Gate: CLOSED
- Winans Gate: Monday-Friday, 6 a.m.-9 p.m., Saturday and Sunday, 6 a.m.-6 p.m.
5) What is Fort Sam Houston’s zip code?
The zip code for Fort Sam Houston is 78234. Nearby zip codes include 78209, 78212, 78215, 78218, and 78233.
6) What is the BAH for Fort Sam Houston?
BAH for Fort Sam Houston ranges from $1,728 for E-1 to $2,157 for E-9 with dependents and $1,905 for O-1 to $2,475 for O-6 with dependents. See the housing section for more info.
Base Location and Information
Fort Sam Houston Address
Fort Sam Houston Joint Base San Antonio
Fort Sam Houston, 78234-5001
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San Antonio Area Military Installations
Fort Sam Houston is located on the northeast side of San Antonio, Texas, between I-35 and the Harry Wurzbach Parkway. It’s southeast of the San Antonio International Airport, and the base is about 10 minutes from the downtown area. Randolph AFB is roughly 12 miles northeast of the post, and in between the two installations lie the towns of Kirby, Windcrest, and Converse. About 20 miles from Fort Sam Houston are the cities of Cibolo, Schertz, Universal City, and Live Oak, TX.
San Antonio is the second largest city in Texas. The installations comprising JBSA—Lackland AFB, Randolph AFB, Camp Bullis, and Fort Sam Houston—make it the largest combined base in the DoD. The bases are spread across the city, and most residents continue to call them by their individual names. The Air Force is the lead agency for Joint Base San Antonio.
Downtown San Antonio is navigable on foot and also has a streetcar system that runs on several routes. Public transportation is available via bus, the VIA Metropolitan Transit System. However, most area commuters travel by POV. The area is crisscrossed by highways I-35, I-37, US Hwy 281, and I-10. Concentric highways that circle the city are often referred to as the "inner loop," I-410, and the "outer loop," state highway 1604. With the frequent construction and rush hour, there's considerable traffic in this area.
San Antonio skyline. Photo by JodiJacobson from Getty Images Signature via Canva.com.
Nearby military bases:
Arrival Lodging
Temporary Lodging is available for DoD Card Holders on Joint Base San Antonio through Air Force Inns and the InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG).
Contact information for Fort Sam Houston:
- Phone: (210) 357-2705
- Reservations: 877-711-8326
- Direct Group/DVQ Reservations: (210) 357-2705 ext.78625
- General Manager POC: (210) 315-3818
- IHG Army Hotels
JBSA lodging is located in multiple locations.
JBSA- Fort Sam Houston Housing
Military housing at Fort Sam Houston is privatized and provided by Lincoln Military Housing. Housing consists of a variety of home types within eight villages.
Contact Info for Lincoln Military Housing - JBSA Fort Sam Houston
2739 Dickman B 407
San Antonio, Texas 78234
Phone: (210) 270-7638
Military Housing Office for Joint Base San Antonio - Fort Sam Houston
3171 Zinn Road, Bldg 116
JBSA-Fort Sam Houston, TX 78234
Phone: (210) 221-0881
JBSA- Fort Sam Houston Off Base Housing
View homes for sale and houses for rent near Fort Sam Houston – Fort Sam Houston Homes
Even with the woes of freeway traffic, life in the suburbs may offer more home for less money in Texas. With no state income tax and no tax placed on military pensions, investing in a home in the Lone Star State is a good fit for some families. On the other hand, property taxes can be hefty.
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BAH Info
The Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) is a U.S.-based allowance determined by geographic duty location, pay grade, and dependency status. It provides uniformed service members compensation based on housing costs in local civilian housing markets when government quarters are not provided. Learn more about your Basic Allowance for Housing.
Fort Sam Houston is near San Antonio with many options to buy or rent. Some sample Fort Sam Houston BAH rates for zip code 78234:
- E-1 with dependents: $1,728
- E-1 without dependents: $1,359
- E-9 with dependents: $2,157
- E-9 without dependents: $1,977
- O-1 with dependents: $1,905
- O-1 without dependents: $1,584
- O-6 with dependents: $2,475
- O-6 without dependents: $2,103
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Area Weather & Climate
Bluebonnet field. Photo by tomwachs from Getty Images Signature via Canva.com.
The San Antonio area is ideal for fans of warm weather. Mild year-round with a semi-tropical climate, the "hot months" are typically May through September, with the wetter season from April to October. There can be some colder days and even freezing weather during the winter months.
The northwestern Edwards Plateau and the southeastern Gulf Coastal Plains affect the area's weather. Sunshine is the norm, with over 60% of days clear or partly cloudy. Bluebonnet season in the spring, and the state flower dots the sides of roadways and fields. Thunderstorms are common in the late spring and summer, and occasionally there's a rare sleet or ice storm during the winter.
JBSA- Fort Sam Houston Area Schools
JBSA-Fort Sam Houston School Liaison Office (SLO) Program Manager: (210) 221-5151
The San Antonio area is vast and diverse, and the local schooling choices reflect that. The city’s public schools are administered by various San Antonio area Independent School Districts. Learn more about these school districts, along with information about neighboring county and city school districts, on the Bexar County website.
The San Antonio ISD states, "The San Antonio-area Independent School Districts serve 340,238 students. Extracurricular clubs for all skill levels and interests, Advanced Placement, Dual Credit, Magnets, Trades, Special Needs, Fine Arts, and STEM are among the 173 academic and developmental choices that exist within the districts."
Fort Sam Houston Independent School District (ISD) serves children of military personnel residing on Fort Sam Houston and Camp Bullis. Active duty military parents assigned to Fort Sam Houston, but who are not living on base, can apply for their children to enroll in the district as transfer students in grades Pre-K through 12th grade. FSHISD is one of three military school districts in Texas, all located in San Antonio, whose boundaries are within the military installation they serve: Fort Sam Houston, Lackland AFB, and Randolph AFB.
FSHISD has two campuses: Fort Sam Houston Elementary (grades PK-5), Robert G. Cole Middle School (grades 6-8), and Robert G. Cole High School (grades 9-12). The district enrollment is approximately 1500 students.
For private schools in the surrounding area, visit Private School Review. Families interested in homeschooling should follow the Texas Education Agency homeschool regulations.
More school links:
Military and Family Support
There are many opportunities for connecting with the military spouse community. Time at JBSA could allow networking opportunities with other military spouses at area events created for military family members. For job seekers, area employment is strong in the industries of construction, oil and gas production, and healthcare.
Helpful links:
Things to Do near Fort Sam Houston
Whether your idea of a good time is a stroll along the iconic River Walk with a stop for margaritas and tacos or a hike on one of the area's nature trails, activities abound year-round. Spring’s famous Fiesta, a 10-day salute to Spanish heritage, is a city signature event, with schools closing so students can participate. The famous Texas Hill Country is north of the city and Gulf Coast beaches are a few hours away.
For military families who enjoy spending time outdoors, San Antonio offers an extended version of summer weather. From Schlitterbahn Water Park to Schumacher Crossing swimming hole, San Antonio offers many water features. For the surf and sand of a beach, a short drive away is Corpus Christi Bay and Padre Island National Seashore. For more inland adventures, consider a weekend getaway to eclectic Austin or historic Fredericksburg.
JBSA Force Support Squadron (FSS) carries a calendar of events, Outdoor Recreation, and dining/entertainment.
- The River Walk is a 15-mile-long stretch with beautiful spots to shop, dine, and stroll. Just below street level, it’s also the largest urban ecosystem in the U.S. In the downtown section, the King William District and the Alamo are also walkable. Take a riverboat cruise for a quick drop-off at a different section of the river or stay for a narrated cruise.
- San Antonio Dining has it all. There are options for BBQ, fine dining, steak, or an American eatery. In this area, the Mexican and Latin American food scene is like no other.
- Downtown area attractions include taking one of the City Sightseeing Double-Decker buses for quick transportation. Their tours cover Alamo Plaza, The Pearl, Spanish Governor's Palace, Cathedral, Theater District, Tower of the Americas, Mexican Market Square, King William Historic District, and more.
- The San Antonio Missions National Historical Park includes the Mission San Jose, Mission Espada, Mission San Juan and Mission Concepcion. Along with the Alamo, the park was named the first World Heritage Site in Texas by the United Nations Organization for Education, Science, and Culture (UNESCO). These five Catholic missions were established in the 18th century by Spanish priests. Today, the missions (walled compounds encompassing a church and buildings where the priests and local Native Americans lived) are the largest concentration of Spanish colonial missions in North America.
- San Antonio Tours includes an array of options to help explore the city. Among these, there are bike tours, walking tours, helicopter tours, ghost tours, barwalks, and more.
- Confluence Park is open daily. The park is a gateway to hiking, biking, and paddling trails. It begins near the Blue Star Arts Complex and ends near Mission Espada.
- Texas Hill Country encompasses San Antonio, which is on the southern end. Visit Fredericksburg, Boerne, and New Braunfels for a taste of city/country life. Picturesque small towns combine with outdoor living for an unforgettable experience.
- The Japanese Tea Garden dates back to 1919. It has a lush year-round garden, shaded walkways, stone bridges, a waterfall, and ponds filled with koi fish. The garden’s entrance features a moon gate created by a renowned Mexican artist. It offers free admission.
- The Pearl is located north of downtown. Originally a former brewery, the Pearl is now a mixed-use space featuring dining, seasonal events, boutique shopping, green spaces, and an amphitheater. It’s also home to the third campus of the Culinary Institute of America.
- Natural Bridge Caverns offers guided tours of the underground caverns and spectacular formations. Visitors can pan for gems at the Discovery Village Mining Company. There's also the outdoor maze, Canopy Challenge ropes courses, and zip lines.
- SeaWorld San Antonio has interactive shows and exhibits, an immersive water park, and marine life encounters. It's located in northwest San Antonio.
- Six Flags Fiesta Texas is San Antonio’s largest, most popular theme park. It's located in the center of a retail, restaurant, and entertainment district. The theme park offers roller coasters, park rides, live entertainment, food, beverages, and more.
Other attractions to visit:
- The Guenther House
- Ripley’s Believe it or Not!
- The Witte Museum
- The Buckhorn Saloon and Museum
- The Texas Ranger Museum
- The Empire Theatre
- The Magestic Theatre
- Aztec Theatre
- Briscoe Western Art Museum
- McNay Art Museum
- San Antonio African American Community Archive & Museum
- The historical Alamo
- Watch the local NBA team, the Spurs
Outdoor activities in the San Antonio area:
- Tubing (floating down one of the area rivers) is a popular way of enjoying the water. Rent tubes, canoes, and river rafts to float down the Guadalupe, San Marcos, Comal, and Frio Rivers. Most vendors also provide shuttles to return floaters to their vehicles.
- Canyon Lake is an 8,230-acre lake that is one of the most scenic lakes in Texas. It has eight public parks with camping, fishing, swimming, scuba diving, picnicking, wildlife viewing, boating, and other water sports. JBSA Recreation Park at Canyon Lake is available year-round for military members and families.
- Hiking locations include Government Canyon State Natural Area, Lost Maples State Natural Area (especially in autumn), Pedernales Falls State Park, and Enchanted Rock State Natural Area. Find miles of hiking and biking trails, guided hikes, and rock climbing.
San Antonio events:
- The San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo has 1.5 million visitors every year. Since 1949, it’s one of the largest San Antonio annual events. Attend the carnival and then the Charreada. It's a unique blend of Mexican and Western culture.
- Fiesta San Antonio attendees should plan their schedule in advance. Even schools close for this yearly event. Attend one of the parades: Battle of Flowers, Fiesta Flambeau (the largest night parade in the country), and the Texas Cavaliers River Parade. Then attend a food event and watch local entertainment. Fiesta started in 1891 to honor the heroes from the Battle of the Alamo. It is now the city’s largest party.
Easy day trips from Fort Sam Houston:
- Austin
- Dallas-Fort Worth
- Fredericksburg (Hill Country)
- Corpus Christi
- Houston
More Area Info
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Base Address:
Fort Sam Houston Joint Base San Antonio
Fort Sam Houston
,
78234-5001